What is definition prefigure?

Prefigure means to foreshadow or indicate a future event or development. It can also refer to representing or symbolizing something in advance. In literature, prefiguring can be used to build suspense or add complexity to a story by introducing elements or themes that will be fully explored later. In art, prefiguring can take on different forms, such as using symbolism to hint at a deeper meaning or using a recurring symbol to emphasize a specific message. Prefiguring can be a powerful technique for creating a sense of anticipation and drawing connections between different parts of a work.