Well, in many novels, a life sentence can be symbolic. Let's take a story where a character has a life sentence of guilt. This guilt haunts them throughout their life and becomes a driving force for their actions. It can contribute to themes like redemption or the consequences of past actions. The character's attempts to deal with this life - long burden help to develop the overall theme of the novel, whether it's about forgiveness, self - discovery, or something else entirely.
Characters in novels play a crucial role in expressing the overall theme. They can be the embodiments of certain values or ideas. For example, in 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Atticus Finch represents justice and moral integrity. His actions and beliefs directly reflect the theme of racial injustice and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Often, they introduce key themes. Consider '1984' by George Orwell starting with 'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.' The unusual time - thirteen o'clock - immediately hints at a world that is different from our own. It sets the stage for the themes of a dystopian society, where things are not as they seem and rules are bent or broken.
The best opening sentences hook the reader. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby' with '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 makes you want to know what that advice was. They also set the tone. A dark opening like in 'Dracula' ('3 May. Bistritz. - Left Munich at 8:35 P.M., on 1st May, arriving at Vienna early next morning...') sets a mysterious and somewhat foreboding tone for the whole horror story.
They create a mood of passion. The words used are often very descriptive of the characters' feelings and actions, which makes the reader feel the heat. For example, 'Their lips met in a fiery kiss that left them both breathless.' This kind of sentence sets a passionate mood.
The best first sentences often introduce the main theme. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby' with '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 hints at the idea of reflecting on the past, which is central to the story of Gatsby's pursuit of a past love.
Irrational characters can enhance the overall theme by showing the flaws in human nature. For instance, if the theme is about the search for truth, an irrational character might constantly avoid the truth, highlighting its importance.
Death scenes can reinforce the theme of mortality. It makes the readers aware that no character is invincible. For example, in a war novel, the death of soldiers can highlight the brutality and futility of war, which is an important theme of the story.
Nameless women can also contribute to themes of mystery or the unknown. For example, if the theme is about the secrets of a small town, an unnamed woman might be at the center of those secrets, and her namelessness adds to the sense of the unknown that surrounds the theme.
By reflecting different aspects of the theme. For instance, in 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Calpurnia, as a supporting character, shows the complex race relations which are central to the theme of the novel through her interactions with the Finch family.
The best opening sentences also set the mood for the whole novel. In a horror novel, a spooky opening can put the reader on edge for the entire read. In a romantic novel, a sweet or passionate opening can make the reader feel the love right from the start. They are like a preview of what the whole story will be like in terms of atmosphere. Consider 'The Great Gatsby' where the opening gives a sense of mystery and melancholy that pervades the whole novel.