How do the first lines of horror novels set the tone for the whole story?

When a fantasy novel begins with 'She opened her eyes to a world she had never seen before.' It sets a tone of discovery. The main character is in a new and unfamiliar place which likely means the reader will be learning about this new world as the character does. It also implies that there will be a lot of things to explore and understand, which can be exciting for the reader.

In many dystopian novels, the opening lines show a deviation from the normal. For instance, the start of 'Snowpiercer' (the novel on which the movie is based). If it started with a line like 'The train moved forward.' It might seem normal, but instead, it might start with something like 'The survivors on the train knew that outside was a frozen, dead world.' This immediately shows a world that is not as it should be. It sets a tone of confinement, of a last - ditch effort at survival in a world that has gone horribly wrong. And this tone of a world in crisis and people just trying to get by in a very abnormal situation pervades the entire story.

The first page of a fantasy novel can introduce the genre's typical elements in a way that gives the reader an idea of what to expect. For instance, if it starts with a wizard casting a spell, it tells the reader magic will be a big part of the story. The language and pacing also matter. A fast - paced first page with short, sharp sentences can signal an action - packed story, while a more leisurely, descriptive start might suggest a more character - driven or world - building - heavy tale.

The opening of Pulp Fiction sets a tone of dark humor. For example, the way they discuss seemingly mundane things in a very serious tone, like the names for things in different countries. This combined with the slightly menacing air of the characters makes it clear that the movie will be a blend of humor and danger. Also, the music and the rather ordinary - looking but with an underlying tension setting contribute to the overall tone that will be carried throughout the movie.

The beginning of Pulp Fiction sets a chaotic and edgy tone. The diner scene with the robbers makes it clear this isn't a normal, orderly world. It's full of unpredictable characters.

The tone in a short story is often set through the choice of words, the narrator's perspective, and the overall mood of the descriptions.

They create mystery. For example, a line like 'In a dark, forgotten corner of the old house, something stirred.' makes the reader wonder what that something is. It's simple yet effective in making the reader want to know more.

The first pages can set the mood through the choice of words. For example, if the author uses words like 'gloomy', 'dreary', and 'forlorn', it creates a melancholic mood. If it's more 'bright', 'cheerful' words, then a positive mood is set.

Great first lines can hook the reader right away. For example, if a first line is mysterious like 'The door stood ajar, and a strange light seeped through.' It makes the reader want to find out what's behind the door and what the strange light is. This initial intrigue keeps the reader going through the whole story.

They set the mood. For example, a spooky first line can make the whole story seem eerie. Like in some horror novels where the first line might be something about a dark, foreboding place. It draws the reader in immediately.