great first paragraphs of novels

Well, the first paragraphs can draw readers in. Take '1984' by George Orwell. The beginning creates a sense of a dreary, oppressive world. It makes the reader curious about what kind of place this is and what will happen to the characters. It's like a doorway into the whole fictional universe of the novel.

Well, take '1984' for instance. The first paragraph starts to build this really dreary and oppressive atmosphere which is central to the whole novel. It makes you feel like you're right there in this dystopian world from the very beginning. It's like a quick dive into the world Orwell created, full of Big Brother's watchful eye and all that.

They are very important. They are like a first impression. If the first paragraph doesn't grab the reader, they may not continue reading. It's the writer's chance to hook the reader right away.

One great opening 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 immediately sets the stage for a story about marriage and society's expectations.

In 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, the opening 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 iconic. It immediately sets the tone for the story which is centered around marriage and social status in the society of that time.

In 'The Great Gatsby', the last paragraph is quite memorable. 'So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.' This ending beautifully encapsulates the futility and the unending struggle of the characters in the face of the past and their dreams. It gives a sense of melancholy and the inescapable nature of the past that haunts the characters throughout the novel.

They are often attention - grabbing. A great first paragraph makes you want to keep reading. It might introduce an interesting character, like in 'Moby - Dick' where Ishmael starts off by talking about his decision to go to sea, which is an immediate hook.

They can also introduce the central themes. Consider 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The long - first paragraph starts to touch on themes of sin, judgment, and the Puritan society. By having a long start, Hawthorne can gradually draw the reader into this complex world of moral and social issues that the whole novel will explore in depth. It's like a slow - burn introduction to the heart of the matter.

Well, often they are very engaging. They might start with an interesting situation, like in 'Pride and Prejudice' which begins 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 immediately sets a context and makes the reader curious.

Great opening paragraphs often introduce an interesting situation or character. For example, in 'To Kill a Mockingbird', the description of Scout's family history and the town of Maycomb right from the start makes the reader curious about this place and these people. It gives a sense of mystery about what will happen in this small southern town.