The novel 'Great Expectations' also has strong elements of first impressions. Pip's first encounter with the strange convict in the graveyard is a very impactful first impression. It not only scares Pip but also sets in motion a series of events that are shaped by that initial meeting, as the convict later becomes a major influence on Pip's life and his expectations.
In 'Jane Eyre', the first impressions play a crucial role. When Jane first arrives at Thornfield Hall, her initial encounter with Mr. Rochester is filled with mystery. His dark and brooding appearance, along with his rather abrupt manner, gives Jane a sense of unease yet also a certain allure. This first impression foreshadows the complex relationship that will develop between them.
It can vary a lot. Sometimes I'm immediately hooked by the story or the characters. Other times, it might take a bit longer to warm up to it.
One key aspect could be the characters. They might be complex and multi - dimensional, representing different social classes or values of that time. Another is the setting. Since it was written in 1813, it likely reflects the social and cultural milieu of that era, perhaps with details about the clothing, social events, and family structures. Also, the plot would be important. It might involve themes like love, family disputes, or social climbing.
It might be centered around the idea of re - evaluating one's first impressions. In the novel, characters could be forced to look beyond their initial judgments and discover the true nature of others. This could be related to themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and seeing the good in people even when first impressions were negative.
Another good first line is 'She opened the door to a past she thought was long forgotten.' This line is great as it creates intrigue. The reader wants to know who 'she' is, what's behind the door, and why she thought that past was forgotten. It hooks the reader right from the start.
A common theme is false assumptions based on first - encounter actions. Say, someone is constantly on their phone when you first meet them. You might think they're not interested in you, but they could be waiting for an important call. Appearance also plays a big role. If someone has a lot of tattoos or piercings, some people might form a negative first impression without getting to know their character. And then there's the situation - based factor. If you meet someone in a chaotic environment like a busy street, their distracted behavior might give you a wrong idea about them.
Maybe there's a protagonist who has a complex personality. For example, a man who has made some mistakes in his past and is now trying to redeem himself. And there could be other characters around him, such as his friends or family members who have their own pre - conceived notions about him, but as the story unfolds, their impressions change.
First impressions of a novel start before you even open it. Reviews and word - of - mouth can influence how you approach it. Once you start reading, the mood set in the beginning is crucial. In a horror novel, if it can create a sense of unease right from the start, it has made a good first impression. In a romance, a charming encounter in the early pages can set the tone. It's like meeting a new person. You get a feeling about them right away, and with a novel, that feeling decides if you'll invest your time in it.
First impressions are important in a story because they often set the tone. For example, in a mystery story, the first impression of a dark, spooky old house immediately creates an atmosphere of suspense. It grabs the reader's attention and makes them curious about what might happen next.
First impressions of a novel can be quite revealing. In the first few pages, you can get a sense of the pacing. If it's fast - paced right from the start, it might be an action - packed story all the way. It can also disclose the genre more clearly. A novel that begins with a spaceship launch is likely to be a science fiction. However, sometimes first impressions can be deceiving. An author might start with a light - hearted scene but then plunge into a deep, dark plot later.
One story could be about a person named Flip Flippen who made a great first impression at a job interview. He walked in with confidence, had a firm handshake, and a warm smile. His positive attitude immediately caught the interviewers' attention, and he got the job.