What are some examples of the first sentences of novels from NPR?
One example could be 'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.' from George Orwell's '1984'.
Well, in F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby', it starts 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 first sentence sets the tone of the narrator reflecting on the past, which is a central theme in the novel. It gives a sense of the narrator's character right from the start, as someone who values the wisdom passed down from his father and has been ruminating on it for a long time. This initial statement also creates an air of mystery, making the reader wonder what that advice was and how it has influenced the narrator's life up to this point in the story.
For example, in Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird', the first sentence is 'When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow.' This first sentence immediately draws the reader's attention. It makes you wonder how Jem got his arm broken, and it also gives a bit of information about the main character's family situation. It's a simple yet effective way to start a story that is going to be full of important events and moral lessons.
What are some notable examples of the first sentences in novels?
Well, one famous one is 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times' from 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens. It sets the tone perfectly.
Can you give examples of great first sentences from different novels?
Sure. 'The Catcher in the Rye' starts with 'If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like...' This first sentence gives us a sense of the narrator's voice right away. It's a bit cynical and inviting at the same time, making the reader want to know more about his past.
What are some examples of great first sentences in short stories?
A great first sentence could be 'The little girl skipped down the lane, her pigtails bouncing, unaware of the danger lurking around the corner.' Here, we get a vivid image of the character, her innocence, and a hint of impending trouble. Also, 'The door creaked open, and a cold wind swept in, carrying with it a sense of dread.' This sets a spooky mood right from the start.
How can NPR's first sentences of novels help in understanding literature better?
NPR's first sentences of novels can act as a teaser. If the first sentence is engaging, it makes you want to read more of the novel. It can also show the main theme or mood right away. Like if it starts with a dark description, the novel might be a thriller or have a somber tone.
What are some of the best first sentences from novels and why are they effective?
One of the best first sentences is 'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.' from George Orwell's '1984'. It immediately sets an off - kilter mood. The idea of the clocks striking thirteen in a world that should be familiar but isn't grabs the reader's attention. It makes you wonder what kind of world this is where the normal rules don't seem to apply.
What are some of the best first sentences in novels?
The opening of 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, 'Call me Ishmael.' is quite remarkable. It's a very direct and somewhat mysterious start. By simply stating his name (or the name he wants to be called), Ishmael invites the reader into his world. It makes the reader curious about who this Ishmael is and what his story will be about.
What are some of the worst first sentences in novels?
One example could be a first sentence that is overly complex and filled with jargon that makes it difficult for the average reader to understand right away. For instance, a sentence like 'The ineffable esotericism of the preternatural realm was about to be divulged in a most perfunctory manner.' It's just too much to take in at the start and might put off readers.
What are some famous first sentences of novels?
The opening of 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, 'Call me Ishmael.' is very well - known. It's a simple yet powerful start. It directly introduces the narrator, making the reader curious about who Ishmael is and what his story will be. It's like an invitation to follow Ishmael on his journey, which in this case, is the fateful voyage in pursuit of the great white whale.
What are some novels with the best first sentences?
One example is 'Call Me Ishmael' from 'Moby - Dick'. This first sentence is so iconic and immediately draws the reader in, setting a mood of mystery and adventure related to the sea. It makes you curious about who Ishmael is and what his story will be.
What are some great first sentences in novels?
In 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens, the first sentence goes 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...' This opening is so powerful as it creates a sense of contrast and duality right from the start. It hints at the complex and tumultuous events that will unfold during the French Revolution, which is the backdrop of the story.