best first sentences 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.

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.

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.

Often, they introduce key themes. Consider '1984' by George Orwell starting with 'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.' The unusual time - thirteen o'clock - immediately hints at a world that is different from our own. It sets the stage for the themes of a dystopian society, where things are not as they seem and rules are bent or broken.

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.

The best first sentences often introduce the main theme. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby' with 'In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since.' It hints at the idea of reflecting on the past, which is central to the story of Gatsby's pursuit of a past love.

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.

The best first sentences hook the reader right away. For instance, if a first sentence is mysterious like 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.' It makes you want to keep reading to find out what that advice was and how it relates to the story. It creates an initial curiosity that drives the reading forward.