In Dickens' works, the first lines serve as hooks. Take 'Oliver Twist'. 'Among other public buildings in a certain town, which for many reasons it will be prudent to refrain from mentioning...' This makes the reader curious about the town and why it can't be named. It starts to build an air of mystery right from the start.
The first lines of Dickens novels can also be quite thought - provoking. For instance, in 'Hard Times' - 'Now, what I want is, Facts. Teach these boys and girls nothing but Facts.' This immediately makes the reader think about the concept of 'facts' and what role it will play in the story. It also gives an early hint about the tone and themes that will be explored, such as the importance of practicality and perhaps the lack of something more, like imagination or emotion.
Charles Dickens' first five novels are remarkable works. 'The Pickwick Papers' is his first novel which introduced his unique humor and vivid character descriptions. 'Oliver Twist' deals with the dark side of society and the plight of the poor. 'Nicholas Nickleby' focuses on the adventures and hardships of its titular character. 'The Old Curiosity Shop' is known for its emotional storylines. 'Barnaby Rudge' which is set during a time of social unrest.
One famous line from Dickens is 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times' from 'A Tale of Two Cities'. This line sets the tone for the novel, showing the contrast between different aspects of the era.
Dickens' first novels often had vivid characters. For example, in 'The Pickwick Papers', Mr. Pickwick is a very memorable and kind - hearted character. His first novels also showed his talent for depicting the social conditions of the time, like the poverty and inequality in London.
The first lines are quite important. They can grab the reader's attention right away. For example, if the first line is dull, the reader might not be interested in reading further.
The first lines of Hemingway novels are often very impactful. For example, in 'The Sun Also Rises', the opening sets a certain mood. It draws the reader into the post - World War I disillusioned world that Hemingway was so good at portraying. These first lines usually give a hint of the themes that will follow, like the lost generation's search for meaning and the complex relationships among the characters.
In 'Pride and Prejudice', the first line 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' is well - known. This line not only reveals the social context of the time, where marriage was often a matter of financial and social status, but also gives a peek into the themes of the novel regarding relationships and social expectations.
Well, take 'The Great Gatsby' for example. Its first 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 line makes the narrator seem reflective and sets up the idea that there are important lessons and memories to be shared. It kind of draws the reader into the narrator's world right away.
One famous first line is from 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen: 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' This line sets the tone for the whole novel, which is mainly about marriage and social class in the 19th - century England. It immediately draws the reader's attention to the central theme of the novel.