How could the title of the story be an example of foreshadowing? Explain what you think will happen based on the title.

Foreshadowing is a literary technique an author uses early in a piece of literature to give the reader ideas or clues as to what will happen deeper in the plot. In “Contents the of a Dead Man’s Pockets,” Jack Finney uses the title as foreshadowing to add suspense to the story.

Before you read the story, you are being asked to think about how the title is being used as foreshadowing. There are a number of scenarios that come to mind. The reader might think there is a crime scene in which the authorities examine the items found in the pockets of a victim. The family of a dead man may find out secrets from his past or hopes he had for the future. Often, this technique is used in mysteries because readers use foreshadowing to make inferences.

After you read the story, you will see how Jack Finney uses the title to foreshadow the thoughts going through Tom Benecke’s mind, and how he uses the items in his pockets during his ordeal on the ledge high above Lexington Avenue.