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.

Very important. They act as a hook. If the first sentence doesn't catch your attention, you might not be so eager to continue reading. For instance, a really dull first sentence might make you put the book down right away.

The first sentence of 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens, 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...' is really great. This sentence captures the duality and complexity of the era, drawing readers in with its paradoxical nature and making them curious about the two cities and the events that will unfold.

In 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens, the first sentence is 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...' This powerful opening gives a sense of contrast and the duality of the era the story is set in, and it also creates a sense of mystery and anticipation as to what exactly those 'times' are all about.

One great first sentence could be 'In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.' from 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It's simple yet immediately creates a sense of mystery and a vivid image of this little creature's home.

They are very important. A great first sentence can hook the reader instantly. For example, if a first sentence is dull, the reader might not be interested in continuing. But a good one like 'Call me Ishmael.' from Moby - Dick makes you want to find out more about Ishmael and his story.

Sure. 'The sword of Shannara was a talisman with the power to change the world.' This first sentence from 'The Sword of Shannara' by Terry Brooks quickly grabs the reader's attention by introducing a powerful and important object. It makes the reader eager to learn more about this sword and its significance in the story.

A well - crafted first sentence can establish the genre. A horror novel might start with something spooky like 'The old house on the hill had always given me the creeps, even before the strange noises started.' This immediately signals to the reader that they are in for a scary ride. In contrast, a romantic novel might start with a line about love or attraction. Great first sentences are like a door that opens into the world of the novel, and they can greatly enhance the overall reading experience by making the reader eager to explore further.

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.

Great first sentences can draw the reader in immediately. For example, a first sentence that poses a question or creates a sense of mystery makes the reader want to keep reading to find the answer. Like in a mystery novel, if the first sentence is 'The body was found in the most unexpected place.', it hooks the reader.