The second written lines of famous novels are like the first building blocks of the plot. They can start to set the pacing. In a fast - paced adventure novel like 'Treasure Island', the second line might start to move the action forward, even if it's just a small step, it gets the ball rolling towards the exciting events that will unfold. This helps to engage the reader from the very start and keep them hooked as the plot develops.
The second lines may introduce key relationships. Consider 'Jane Eyre'. The second line could start to show the relationship between Jane and her surroundings or the people in her early life, which is crucial for understanding how she develops and the relationships she forms later in the story.
They can start to establish the conflict. For instance, in '1984', the second line might start to introduce the oppressive atmosphere which is a major part of the overall conflict of the individual against the totalitarian state.
Well, in many novels, the plot line directly reflects the theme. For example, in 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell, the plot where the pigs gradually take over and become as corrupt as the humans they once rebelled against is a clear illustration of the theme of power corrupting. The plot developments show how the ideals of the revolution are betrayed.
The second lines contribute by providing more context. In a historical novel, it might give details about the time period like 'The air was thick with the smell of gunpowder, a remnant of the recent battle.' This helps the reader understand the backdrop. Moreover, it can introduce the conflict. If the first line sets the stage, the second can hint at the problem. In a love story, the second line could say 'But she knew their love was doomed from the start.' This foreshadows the challenges the couple will face.
Famous first lines often set the mood. For example, the first line of 'The Great Gatsby' - 'In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since.' It gives a sense of reflection and sets a somewhat nostalgic mood. This mood stays throughout the novel as Nick Carraway looks back on the events of that summer.
In some novels, the ending line can be a twist that completely changes how we view the whole story. Consider 'The Sixth Sense' which is based on a novel. The ending line reveals the truth that the main character has been dead all along. This kind of ending line forces the reader to re - evaluate everything they've read before and adds a whole new layer of meaning to the story.
They often sum up the main themes. For example, the last line in '1984' - 'He loved Big Brother.' It drives home the complete subjugation of the individual in the totalitarian society the book depicts. Just a short line but it has a huge impact on the reader's understanding of the horror of that world.
The last lines can seal the deal in terms of the overall impact. For example, if the last line is a cliffhanger, it might make the reader want to reread or think more deeply. In some cases, like in 'To Kill a Mockingbird', the last line 'He turned out the light and went into Jem's room. He would be there all night, and he would be there when Jem waked up in the morning.' gives a sense of Atticus's love and protection for Jem. It adds to the overall warmth and moral message of the book.
The first lines of her novels often introduce key elements. For instance, they might introduce the setting which is vital for the plot. If it's a big mansion in a remote area, like in some of her works, it sets the stage for a closed - environment mystery. They can also introduce a character's state of mind which can be a driving force in the plot.
Famous first lines often introduce key themes. Consider '1984' starting with 'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.' This odd time - keeping immediately hints at the dystopian world where things are not as they should be, introducing the theme of a disrupted and controlled society.
Final lines can also leave an open - ended feeling. Consider the last line of 'The Catcher in the Rye' - 'Don't ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody.' It makes the reader wonder about the narrator's future and his growth. It adds a touch of mystery and ambiguity to the overall meaning. Moreover, final lines can be a kind of moral or message. Like in 'Animal Farm' where it says 'The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.' This last line drives home the point about how power can corrupt and how the oppressed can become the oppressors, which is a central theme of the novel.
The famous lines help set the mood. For example, 'Fifteen men on the dead man's chest - Yo - ho - ho, and a bottle of rum!' immediately gives a pirate - like, rowdy and adventurous mood. It makes the reader feel like they are in the middle of a pirate crew.