bad first lines of novels

Bad first lines are a problem because they fail to set the tone for the novel. A good first line should give a hint of what's to come, whether it's a mood of mystery, excitement or drama. If it's a bad first line like 'He walked. Just walked.', it doesn't give any indication of what the story will be about or what the reader can expect in terms of genre or theme. Also, in a world full of many books, a bad first line means the book may not stand out among the countless others on the shelf.

Well, consider a line like 'I don't know how to start this novel, so here goes.' This is a bad first line as it shows the writer's lack of confidence and preparation. Then there's 'He opened his eyes, and the world was normal.' which is rather dull and doesn't create any excitement. Also, 'The day started like any other day, which was boring.' fails to engage the reader as it gives the impression that the story will be equally boring.

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.

Well, take 'The Great Gatsby' for example. Its first line '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 makes the narrator seem reflective and sets up the idea that there are important lessons and memories to be shared. It kind of draws the reader into the narrator's world right away.

One famous 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 novel, which is mainly about marriage and social class in the 19th - century England. It immediately draws the reader's attention to the central theme of the novel.

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 '100 worst first lines of novels' might be bad for various reasons. Some could be too cliché, like starting with 'It was a dark and stormy night' which has been overused. Others might be too convoluted or unclear, making it difficult for readers to immediately engage with the story. Some first lines may also lack any sort of hook to draw the reader in.

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.