first sentences of novels

One famous first sentence 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 sets the tone for the whole novel which is largely about marriage and social status in the 19th - century English society. It immediately grabs the reader's attention as it presents a rather cynical view of marriage as a financial transaction of sorts.

Some first sentences are like a teaser. Consider 'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov, 'Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul.' This is a very controversial opening because of its rather sexual undertones. But it is also extremely captivating. It makes the reader want to know more about who Lolita is and what the relationship between the narrator and her will be, while also warning the reader that this might be a rather unorthodox story.

Well, first sentences in novels can vary greatly. Some are short and punchy, grabbing your attention right away. For example, 'Call me Ishmael' from 'Moby - Dick'. This simple yet intriguing start makes you wonder who Ishmael is and what his story might be. Others might be more descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the world the story is set in. They are crucial as they set the tone for the entire novel, whether it's a light - hearted comedy or a dark thriller.

They are quite important. For one thing, they can grab the reader's attention right away. For instance, if the first sentence is dull, the reader might not be interested in continuing. But a really engaging first sentence like 'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.' from '1984' by George Orwell makes you want to know more.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Very important. They act as a hook. If the first sentence doesn't catch your attention, you might not be so eager to continue reading. For instance, a really dull first sentence might make you put the book down right away.