Examples of the Best Opening Lines in Contemporary Novels
In 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn, 'When I think of my wife, I always think of her head. The shape of it, to begin with.' This is a rather unusual and thought - provoking opening. It makes the reader wonder about the relationship between the narrator and his wife and why he focuses on her head in particular.
A really good one is from 'A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara. 'When the call came through on his private line, Jude was in conference with the litigators from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.' This opening line drops the reader right into a scene. It makes you wonder who Jude is and what kind of work he's involved in with these litigators.
Analysis of the Best Opening Lines in Contemporary Novels
One of the best opening lines is from 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt: 'While I was still in Amsterdam, I dreamed about my mother for the first time in years.' It immediately sets a tone of reminiscence and mystery. The mention of a specific place and a long - absent figure draws the reader in.
Analysis of the best opening lines in contemporary fiction
In 'Americanah' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the opening line 'Ifemelu—rhymes with Chimamanda—noticed it on her first day at Princeton.' is great. It gives us a character's name right away and also links it to the author's name in a clever way, which makes the reader curious about this Ifemelu and her experience at Princeton. It starts the story in a very specific place and situation, which is effective in drawing the reader in.
What are some examples of the best opening lines in novels?
The opening line of 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...' is very powerful. It gives a sense of the duality and complexity of the era that the story is set in, and makes the reader wonder about the different situations and characters that will be explored.
What are some characteristics of the best opening lines in contemporary fiction?
A third characteristic is character introduction. A strong opening line can introduce a character in an interesting way. Take 'The Fault in Our Stars' where the opening gives us a sense of Hazel's voice and her situation. By introducing the character early on, it makes the reader care about what will happen to them in the story.
Examples of the Best Opening Lines in Short Stories and Their Significance
Well, 'Call me Ishmael.' from 'Moby - Dick' is a very well - known opening line. It's so simple yet it has a certain power. It makes the narrator seem approachable, as if he's inviting the reader to join him on his journey. And it gives the story an air of authenticity from the start, as if it's a real account being told by someone we can trust.
Can you give examples of the best opening lines in classic novels?
Well, from 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte, 'There was no possibility of taking a walk that day.' This unassuming opening is actually quite effective. It creates a sense of confinement and the start of a story that will likely involve the main character breaking free from some sort of restriction, whether it be physical or emotional.
Can you give more examples of the best opening lines to novels?
Another good one is 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' from Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice'. This line not only gives an insight into the society of the time where marriage was a big deal for financial and social reasons but also makes the reader interested in seeing how this idea will play out in the story.
Can you give some examples of the best opening lines of novels?
The opening of 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens - 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...' is a classic. It sets up the contrast that is going to be central to the story, which is set during the French Revolution. It's a very powerful and thought - provoking start that gives a sense of the complex and chaotic times in which the story unfolds.
Can you give some examples of the best opening lines in fantasy novels?
Sure. Consider the opening of 'The Magicians' by Lev Grossman: 'Quentin did a magic trick. Nobody noticed.' This line is interesting as it sets up the character Quentin and his ability to do magic in a world where it seems unnoticed. It makes you wonder why his magic goes unnoticed and what kind of world he lives in.
What are the best opening lines for novels?
A great opening line is 'All children, except one, grow up.' from J.M. Barrie's 'Peter Pan'. This line is simple yet very effective. It makes the reader wonder about that one special child and why they don't grow up like the others. It also gives a sense of mystery and the promise of an adventure.