The top 100 last lines of novels can be a rich source of study. Some might end with a sense of closure, like in 'Pride and Prejudice' where the last line gives a happy ending for the main characters. Others could end on a more thought - provoking note, leaving the reader with something to ponder long after finishing the book. These last lines often sum up the themes, the character arcs, or the overall mood of the novel in a concise way.
Well, the top 100 last lines of novels vary greatly. Some are very straightforward, simply stating the final state of the story. For example, a line that says 'And they lived happily ever after' which is a common type. But then there are those that are more complex. They might use metaphor or symbolism in that last line to convey a deeper meaning. For instance, a line that refers to a fading sunset could symbolize the end of an era in the story.
Some opening lines in novels are really captivating. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' This line sets the tone for the whole story about marriage and social class in that era. Another great one could be from '1984' which starts with a rather gloomy and controlling atmosphere description, making readers immediately feel the oppressiveness of the world Orwell is about to show.
One of the most famous last lines is from 'The Great Gatsby': 'So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.' This line sums up the futility and the unending struggle of the characters in the novel, especially Gatsby's pursuit of the American Dream which is ultimately unachievable.
The 23 best last lines in fiction are often very impactful. For example, in 'To Kill a Mockingbird', the last line gives a sense of hope and growth in a difficult world. It shows how Scout has matured through her experiences. Another one might be from a classic like 'Pride and Prejudice', where the last line ties up the love story neatly, leaving the reader with a feeling of satisfaction. These last lines can sum up the whole theme of the book, leave a lingering emotion, or provide a new perspective on the story that has been told.
One famous last line is from 'The Great Gatsby': 'So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.' This line is so profound as it reflects on the futility of Gatsby's pursuit of the American Dream and the inescapable pull of the past. It shows that no matter how hard one tries to move forward, the past has a way of dragging one back.
A well - known last line is 'The darkness never left.' This is very effective as it gives a feeling of eternal doom. The 'darkness' here can be symbolic of evil or the unknown horror that has now become a permanent part of the world in the story. It creates a sense of hopelessness and a chilling atmosphere that stays with the reader long after they've finished reading.
From the top 100 last lines of novels, we can learn a great deal about the authors' styles. Some authors like to end with a punchy, memorable line that really drives home the main point of the novel. Others may use the last line to set up a sequel or leave a little mystery. For instance, a line like 'But little did he know, a new adventure was just around the corner.' This makes the reader wonder what that new adventure could be. We can also get a sense of the cultural context of the novels from these last lines.
In 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the last line is 'So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.' This line sums up the futility and the unending struggle of the characters in the novel, especially Gatsby's pursuit of the American Dream which seems always just out of reach.
The last line of 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is '... then all collapsed, and the great shroud of the sea rolled on as it rolled five thousand years ago.' This line gives a sense of the timelessness and the power of the sea. It also reflects on the futility of Ahab's quest against the white whale, as in the end, the sea remains unchanged and indifferent to man's struggles.
The first lines of Hemingway novels are often very impactful. For example, in 'The Sun Also Rises', the opening sets a certain mood. It draws the reader into the post - World War I disillusioned world that Hemingway was so good at portraying. These first lines usually give a hint of the themes that will follow, like the lost generation's search for meaning and the complex relationships among the characters.
In 'Pride and Prejudice', the first line 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' is well - known. This line not only reveals the social context of the time, where marriage was often a matter of financial and social status, but also gives a peek into the themes of the novel regarding relationships and social expectations.