How do the first lines of classic novels attract readers?

Well, first lines can introduce a mystery. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, '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 makes the reader wonder what that advice was and what kind of experiences the narrator has had because of it. It hooks the reader by making them want to find out more about the narrator and their story.

Well, take 'The Great Gatsby' for example. Its opening 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 makes the reader curious about what that advice was. It creates a sense of personal narrative and mystery.

They create intrigue. For instance, the first line of '1984' by George Orwell 'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.' The abnormal 'clocks were striking thirteen' makes readers want to know more about this strange world.

They attract readers by creating intrigue. A good first line like 'I am Number Four' in the book of the same name makes you wonder who this 'Number Four' is. It's a simple yet effective way to get the reader's attention and make them start reading to find out more about the character.

By creating mystery. For instance, a line like 'Call me Ishmael' from 'Moby - Dick'. It makes the reader wonder who Ishmael is and what his story is all about.

The first lines often introduce something unique. In many best - selling novels, the first line might introduce a strange setting or an unusual character. For example, if the first line is about a character with purple hair and a third eye in the middle of their forehead living in a floating city, it's so different that it grabs your attention. It gives a sense of the extraordinary that might be in store in the rest of the story.

Many use vivid descriptions. By painting a picture in the reader's mind right from the start, like a description of a unique setting or an interesting character. For instance, an opening line that describes a spooky old house makes you want to know what's inside. Also, some opening lines introduce a conflict early on, which makes readers eager to see how it will be resolved.

They can set the mood. A dark and foreboding opening like in some gothic novels can draw in readers who enjoy that kind of atmosphere. Also, by presenting a unique or extreme situation in the opening, such as the chaotic 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times' which gives a sense of a world full of contradictions and makes the reader eager to understand it.

They create mystery. For example, the opening of 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier: 'Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.' It makes readers wonder what Manderley is and why the narrator is dreaming about it. This mystery draws them in.

Well, some opening lines create mystery. For example, if it starts with something really strange like in 'Neuromancer' by William Gibson, it makes you want to find out more. His opening line has this cool, cyberpunk vibe that draws you in.