What are some great first lines in fiction?
One great first line is from 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens: 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.' This line immediately sets a tone of contrast and complexity, making the reader curious about what the story will entail.
What are some great first lines in fiction?
A classic example is 'Call me Ishmael.' from Herman Melville's 'Moby - Dick'. It's simple yet so effective. It makes the reader wonder who Ishmael is, and it gives an air of a personal account about to be shared. Just these three words are enough to start the reader on a journey into the story.
What are some great first lines in novels?
One great first line is from 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen: 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' It immediately sets the satirical and society - observing tone of the novel.
What are some great first opening lines of stories?
One great opening line could be 'It was a dark and stormy night.' This classic line immediately sets a mood of mystery and unease. It makes the reader wonder what might be happening in such a forbidding setting.
What are some great first lines from novels?
The opening line of '1984' by George Orwell, 'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.' It's a very striking line. The idea of the clocks striking thirteen is abnormal and immediately creates a sense of unease and a dystopian atmosphere.
What are some great first lines for fantasy novels?
One great first line could be 'In a world where magic slept beneath the surface, an ordinary boy was about to change everything.' It immediately sets up a world with magic and a character who will be important.
What are some great first lines of short stories?
One great first line could be 'The last man on earth sat alone in a room. There was a knock on the door.' It immediately grabs the reader's attention and sets up a mysterious and intriguing scenario. It makes you wonder who could be knocking if he's the last man, creating a sense of suspense right from the start.
What are some examples of great first lines of short stories?
Consider 'All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.' by Leo Tolstoy in 'Anna Karenina'. This line is profound as it sets up the exploration of family dynamics. It makes you think about the nature of happiness and unhappiness within families. Then there's 'I am an invisible man.' from Ralph Ellison's 'Invisible Man'. This simple yet powerful statement makes the reader eager to discover why the narrator is invisible and what that means in the context of the story.
What are some famous first lines of fiction?
In Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice', it starts with '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 stage for the story's exploration of marriage and society. It gives an immediate sense of the social norms and expectations of the time, and also hints at the central theme of finding a suitable partner, which will be explored through the various characters and their relationships throughout the novel.
Analysis of the First Lines of Great Novels
The first lines of great novels often serve as a hook to draw readers in. For example, 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times' from 'A Tale of Two Cities' immediately sets a complex and engaging tone. It makes you wonder about the contrast and what kind of story will unfold.
The Significance of the First Lines in Great Novels
Often, the first lines of great novels are like a key to the whole story. For instance, in '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.' This line gives a sense of the narrator reflecting on his past, which is central to the story as it's a story full of memories, dreams, and illusions.