What are some of the best first sentences of novels?
One of the best first sentences 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.' This sentence immediately sets the tone for a story that will deal with social expectations, marriage, and class in 19th - century England.
In 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens, the opening line is 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...' This is a great start as it creates a sense of duality and contrast right from the beginning. It makes the reader wonder about the two different situations or places that will be described in the novel. It also has a certain rhythm that draws the reader in.
What are some of the best first sentences in novels?
The opening of 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, 'Call me Ishmael.' is quite remarkable. It's a very direct and somewhat mysterious start. By simply stating his name (or the name he wants to be called), Ishmael invites the reader into his world. It makes the reader curious about who this Ishmael is and what his story will be about.
What are some novels with the best first sentences?
One example is 'Call Me Ishmael' from 'Moby - Dick'. This first sentence is so iconic and immediately draws the reader in, setting a mood of mystery and adventure related to the sea. It makes you curious about who Ishmael is and what his story will be.
What are some of the best first sentences from novels and why are they effective?
One of the best first sentences is 'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.' from George Orwell's '1984'. It immediately sets an off - kilter mood. The idea of the clocks striking thirteen in a world that should be familiar but isn't grabs the reader's attention. It makes you wonder what kind of world this is where the normal rules don't seem to apply.
What are some of the worst first sentences in novels?
One example could be a first sentence that is overly complex and filled with jargon that makes it difficult for the average reader to understand right away. For instance, a sentence like 'The ineffable esotericism of the preternatural realm was about to be divulged in a most perfunctory manner.' It's just too much to take in at the start and might put off readers.
What are some famous first sentences of novels?
The opening of 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, 'Call me Ishmael.' is very well - known. It's a simple yet powerful start. It directly introduces the narrator, making the reader curious about who Ishmael is and what his story will be. It's like an invitation to follow Ishmael on his journey, which in this case, is the fateful voyage in pursuit of the great white whale.
What are some great first sentences in novels?
In 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens, the first sentence goes 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...' This opening is so powerful as it creates a sense of contrast and duality right from the start. It hints at the complex and tumultuous events that will unfold during the French Revolution, which is the backdrop of the story.
What are some great first sentences in novels?
The first sentence of 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens, 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...' is really great. This sentence captures the duality and complexity of the era, drawing readers in with its paradoxical nature and making them curious about the two cities and the events that will unfold.
What are some great first sentences of novels?
In 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens, the first sentence is 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...' This powerful opening gives a sense of contrast and the duality of the era the story is set in, and it also creates a sense of mystery and anticipation as to what exactly those 'times' are all about.
What are some of the best first sentences in fiction and why are they considered great?
One great first sentence is 'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.' from '1984'. It immediately sets an off - kilter mood. The idea of the clocks striking thirteen is abnormal and grabs the reader's attention, hinting at a world that is not quite right.
What are some of the best opening sentences to novels?
One of the best is 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times' from 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens. It immediately sets a tone of contrast and historical context, making the reader wonder about the times being described.