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.
900 Sentences of First Chatting was a resource book that provided the conversational skills to be used during the first chat. These techniques included all kinds of opening remarks and topics to help people become more confident and successful in their first conversation. These speech techniques could be adjusted and applied according to different situations and targets to improve the effect of communication. However, the specific content and example sentences needed to be referred to relevant resources for more detailed and specific guidance.
They can also introduce an interesting character immediately. Like 'There was a man who had not slept in a decade, yet his eyes sparkled with a strange energy.' It makes you want to know more about this odd man and his story. Well, it's all about piquing the reader's curiosity right from the start. If the first sentence can pose a question, either directly or indirectly, it can be very engaging. For instance, 'She opened the box, not knowing it would change her life forever. What was in the box?', this will keep the reader reading to find out.
When the first sentence sets up a high - stakes situation, it's more likely to be remembered. 'With only five minutes left to defuse the bomb, his hands shook uncontrollably.' The sense of urgency and danger makes it a memorable start to a story.
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 great first sentence is 'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.' from '1984'. It immediately sets an off - kilter mood. The idea of the clocks striking thirteen is abnormal and grabs the reader's attention, hinting at a world that is not quite right.
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.