What do you call it when a story gives a warning to the reader?

Question

I'm writing an analysis of quotation from The Handmaid's Tale. In the story, the author puts in an anecdote of an interview of a Nazi soldier's wife. I comparing that to Offred's recent meeting with the Commander. It seems like Atwood brought up that memory to serve as a warning to Offred (But she doesn't notice why that memory is triggered).

Question: What do you call it when a story gives a warning to the character(s) in the novel?

Yosef Baskin · Accepted Answer

When a story gives a warning of a plot turn, it is called foreshadowing.

Foreshadow -- To present an indication or a suggestion of beforehand; presage: hostilities that foreshadowed all-out war. - American Heritage Dictionary, 5th Ed.

user421760 · Answer

It's called a cautionary tale. Wikipedia defines it thus:

A cautionary tale is a tale told in folklore, to warn its listener of a danger. There are three essential parts to a cautionary tale, though they can be introduced in a large variety of ways.
First, a taboo or prohibition is stated: some act, location, or thing is said to be dangerous. Then, the narrative itself is told: someone disregarded the warning and performed the forbidden act. Finally, the violator comes to an unpleasant fate, which is frequently related inexpansive and grisly detail.

What do you call it when a story gives a warning to the reader?

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