How does the author use foreshadowing in In the Castle of My Skin?

As the novel closes, the reader sees a rebirth, or baptism, occurring. In the opening scene, the floodwaters offered a blessing. However, in the nine years that pass through the novel, there is little blessing. The baptism offered by the flood waters is vexing and elicits no positive change. The circumstances at the end of the novel remain the same, if not worse, than at the beginning. The villagers are still controlled by the authorities. In the end, the authorities are more vehemently taking advantage of the commoners as well.

However, the end of the novel acts as a new baptism, as symbolized by the foreshadowing of Pa’s death. The narrator is venturing to start a new life in Trinidad, which is viewed as positive. Trumper’s experience allows readers to see that the narrator will gain a more comprehensive knowledge of freedom and race the farther he goes from Barbados.