memorable first lines of novels

One memorable 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.' This line sets the tone for the whole story which is much about marriage, social status and the relationship between men and women in the society of that time.

One memorable first line is from 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker: '3 May. Bistritz. - Left Munich at 8.35 P.M., on 1st May, arriving at Vienna early next morning; should have arrived at 6.46, but the train was an hour late.' This line sets a journey in motion which leads to the encounter with the terrifying Dracula. It gives a sense of the time and place, creating an atmosphere of normalcy that is soon to be shattered by the horror that awaits.

Memorable first lines can give an indication of the theme. In 'The Great Gatsby' the first line is '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 hints at the idea of looking back, of reflection and self - discovery which are important themes in the novel. So it gives the reader a sense of what to expect and makes them more engaged as they start to look for these themes throughout the reading.

A great first line is from 'Hills Like White Elephants' by Ernest Hemingway: 'The hills across the valley of the Ebro were long and white. On this side there was no shade and no trees and the station was between two lines of rails in the sun.' Hemingway's concise description gives a sense of the setting, which is important as the story unfolds in this sparse landscape.

In 'The Notebook', there is the line 'I am nothing special; just a common man with common thoughts, and I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten. But in one respect I have succeeded as gloriously as anyone who's ever lived: I've loved another with all my heart and soul; and to me, this has always been enough.' This line beautifully expresses the purity and sufficiency of true love.

One memorable line could be 'You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how.' It's a very passionate and straightforward expression of attraction.

From 'The Great Gatsby', Gatsby says 'He looked at her the way all women want to be looked at by a man.' This line captures the essence of Gatsby's love for Daisy. His love is shown through his adoring gaze, which is a common yet powerful way to express love in literature. It also implies the intensity of his feelings and his idealization of Daisy.

The first lines are quite important. They can grab the reader's attention right away. For example, if the first line is dull, the reader might not be interested in reading further.

The first lines of Hemingway novels are often very impactful. For example, in 'The Sun Also Rises', the opening sets a certain mood. It draws the reader into the post - World War I disillusioned world that Hemingway was so good at portraying. These first lines usually give a hint of the themes that will follow, like the lost generation's search for meaning and the complex relationships among the characters.

In 'Pride and Prejudice', the first 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 well - known. This line not only reveals the social context of the time, where marriage was often a matter of financial and social status, but also gives a peek into the themes of the novel regarding relationships and social expectations.