How do the opening lines of dystopian novels set the tone for the whole story?

Well, take the first line of 'The Shining' by Stephen King: 'Jack Torrance thought: Officially, winter comes to the Overlook Hotel on the twenty - first of October. But unofficially it had begun long before that.' This line sets a tone of foreboding. By mentioning winter coming to the hotel, it gives the impression of coldness, isolation, and something not quite right even before the real horror begins. It makes the reader anticipate that there are secrets and danger lurking in this hotel.

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.

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 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 line of 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley is 'A squat grey building of only thirty - four stories.' This simple description of a building gives a feeling of a cold, uninviting world. It starts to build the image of a society that is perhaps very regimented and soulless, as the building seems rather dull and unremarkable, which may be a reflection of the society as a whole.

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 opening scene of Pulp Fiction sets the tone by introducing a sense of normalcy that is quickly undercut by a feeling of unease. The two characters in the diner seem to be having an ordinary conversation at first. But as it progresses, there are hints of danger or something not quite right. This mix of the ordinary and the slightly off - kilter is carried throughout the movie. For instance, the way they talk about things like coffee and cigarettes but there are also these unspoken tensions in their words and actions. It makes the viewer expect that things are not always as they seem in this movie world.

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.

The opening of '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. "Whenever you feel like criticizing any one," he told me, "just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had."' This sets a reflective and somewhat nostalgic tone. It makes the narrator seem like someone who has been ruminating on this advice for a long time, which gives the story a more personal and introspective feel overall.

One could be 'The sun blazed down on the sandy shore as she stepped out of the car, the smell of the ocean hitting her like a wave.'