Framed

Gordon Korman uses foreshadowing extensively. This device is a manner of subtly advising the reader to watch for something ahead in the narrative that is related to a current comment or observation. Often in Framed, foreshadowing is meant to imply that a character is incorrect or let the reader become prepared for the unexpected.

For example, after being consigned to house arrest and denied interaction with his posse, a depressed Griffin decides his friends have abandoned him. This foreshadows the quick arrival of Savannah’s monkey, Cleo, who hands Griffin a note telling him to come to the basement, where he finds his entire group of friends. On another occasion, Griffin pats his PEMA device, expressing gratitude that Melissa has set it up so he can leave his home without alerting the police. This foreshadows the moment when Griffin’s mother resets the home monitor, alerting the police that Griffin has left his home.

Irony may be defined as a statement or a reality that reveals a truth that is the opposite of what has been expected or stated. Often, in literature, irony reveals hypocrisy or double standards. Many consider irony to be the highest form of humor, making it ironic that Korman uses irony so often in a novel intended for middle school readers.