Does anyone know what the word rapier means?

What would be an example of foreshadowing in a story about a magician who ends up going bad from too much power? a. the author shows the magician preparing his tricks before a show. b. the narrator describes the magician's rise in popularity at the beginning of the story. c. the reader is first introduced to the magician having fun scaring audiences with his tricks. d. the story begins on a cold autumn day in the suburbs of a big city

What is the allure of fear? what have you learned from the story about portrayals of fear in literature?

Discuss how social status may align with historical criticism.