A Discussion on Opening Themes from Science Fiction

Often, they are very futuristic - sounding. They might use a lot of electronic elements like synthesizers. For example, the opening of 'Tron' has a very distinct electronic sound that makes you feel like you're entering a digital world.

One famous sidekick in science fiction is Robin in the Batman stories. He helps Batman fight crime in Gotham. Robin is often seen as the younger, more energetic counterpart to the brooding Batman.

Another great one is 'Call me Ishmael' from 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville. It's a simple yet powerful way to introduce the narrator. By using just these three words, Melville draws the reader into Ishmael's story, making them want to know more about who he is and what his story will be about.

In 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams, the opening line 'Far out in the uncharted backwaters of the unfashionable end of the Western Spiral arm of the Galaxy lies a small unregarded yellow sun.' is great. It throws the reader right into the vastness of the galaxy, showing that the story is going to be set in a huge and perhaps strange cosmos. It has a touch of humor and irreverence as it describes the location as 'uncharted backwaters' and 'unfashionable', which is characteristic of Adams' writing style.

The opening paragraph of '1984' by George Orwell is also great. 'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.' This simple yet jarring statement creates a sense of unease and a world that is different from our own. It makes the reader curious about what kind of place this is where the normal rules seem to be broken.

One of the best opening lines is from 'Dune' by Frank Herbert: 'A beginning is the time for taking the most delicate care that the balances are correct.' It immediately sets a tone of precision and importance, hinting at the complex world of politics and ecology in the story.

In mainstream science fiction, the focus might be more on technological marvels and the exploration of the unknown in a general sense. However, in black science fiction, themes like racial identity and the struggle against systemic racism are prominent. For example, while mainstream might explore space travel for the sake of discovery, black science fiction could explore space travel as a means for black people to escape oppression on Earth. Another difference is that black science fiction often incorporates elements of African - American culture more deeply, such as using African - inspired languages or spiritual beliefs, which is not as common in mainstream.

Ray Bradbury's 'Fahrenheit 451' has an impactful opening line: 'It was a pleasure to burn.' This short and simple line is so powerful. It immediately makes the reader wonder why burning would be a pleasure. Is it some sort of sadistic pleasure? Or is there a more complex reason related to the society in the book? It draws the reader in and sets the tone for the dark and thought - provoking story that follows.

A good one is 'On the planet Earth, man had always assumed that he was more intelligent than dolphins because he had achieved so much - the wheel, New York, wars and so on - whilst all the dolphins had ever done was muck about in the water having a good time. But conversely, the dolphins had always believed that they were far more intelligent than man - for precisely the same reasons.' It starts with a thought - provoking comparison between humans and dolphins, and makes you anticipate a story that might question our assumptions of intelligence. Another great opening line is 'The Time Traveler (for so it will be convenient to speak of him)' which sets up a story about time travel in a very matter - of - fact way, getting you ready for an adventure through time.

One great opening line is from 'Dune' by Frank Herbert: 'A beginning is the time for taking the most delicate care that the balances are correct.' It sets a tone of precision and importance right from the start.