What are the Significances of Famous First Lines in Novels?

In 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, the first line is '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 not only gives a sense of the social context but also hints at the main themes of marriage and wealth that will be explored in the novel. It's a great example of how the first line can draw the reader in and make them curious about what's to come.

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 famous novels are often very captivating. For example, 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times' from 'A Tale of Two Cities'. This line immediately sets a complex and contrasting mood, making the reader wonder about the story's context and what could be so extreme. It draws the reader in by presenting a paradox that makes one eager to understand how such a situation could exist.

Consider 'The Great Gatsby' starting 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.' This line gives the impression of a story that is going to be a reflection on the past, on growing up, and on the wisdom or lack thereof passed down through generations. It's like an invitation to join the narrator on his journey of self - discovery.

Another example is 'Call Me Ishmael' from 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville. This simple yet powerful first line draws the reader into the story of Ishmael's adventures on the whaling ship. It gives a sense of mystery and makes you wonder who Ishmael is and what his story will be about.

The line 'All children, except one, grow up.' from 'Peter Pan' by J.M. Barrie. It's a simple yet thought - provoking start. It makes you curious about that one child who doesn't grow up and what kind of world he or she is in.

In 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens, it starts with 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...' This line sets the stage for the complex and contrasting world that the story unfolds in. It gives a sense of the duality and turmoil that the characters will experience during the French Revolution era which is the backdrop of the novel.

The first line often grabs the reader's attention. For instance, in 'A Tale of Two Cities' with 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...' It sets a tone of contrast and mystery. The last line can leave a lasting impression. In 'Moby - Dick' where it ends with '... then all collapsed, and the great shroud of the sea rolled on as it rolled five thousand years ago.' It gives a sense of the vastness and unchanging nature of the sea, leaving the reader with a feeling of the enormity of the story just told.