best lines from short stories

In many short stories, there are lines like 'The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.' This line is really thought - provoking as it makes you consider how different the past can be from our present, almost like a different world with its own rules and ways of living. It also implies that we may not fully understand the actions and motives of those in the past.

The best lines can have an immediate emotional impact. For example, a line like 'She loved him to the point of madness.' can make readers feel the intensity of the character's love right away. It stirs emotions and draws the reader deeper into the story.

A very effective short story opening line is 'There was a man who was born old and grew younger every day.' This type of opening is so intriguing because it defies our normal understanding of the aging process. It makes the reader eager to find out more about this man, how such a thing is possible, and what his story will be. It creates a sense of mystery right from the start, which is a key element in a good short story opening.

One great opening line 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, making the reader wonder about this world where the clocks seem to be acting strangely.

Well, 'Call me Ishmael.' from 'Moby - Dick' is a very well - known opening line. It's so simple yet it has a certain power. It makes the narrator seem approachable, as if he's inviting the reader to join him on his journey. And it gives the story an air of authenticity from the start, as if it's a real account being told by someone we can trust.

In 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson, it starts with 'The morning of June 27th was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full - summer day; the flowers were blossoming profusely and the grass was richly green.' This seemingly idyllic description is a contrast to the dark and disturbing events that unfold later in the story. It gives a false sense of normalcy at the beginning.

One great line is 'It was a dark and stormy night, and the howling wind seemed to carry the whispers of the dead.' It sets a spooky mood right away.

In 'The Great Gatsby', 'So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.' This line beautifully captures the futility and the struggle of the characters in the novel, especially Gatsby's unwavering pursuit of a past love that seems just out of reach.

For example, 'She opened the box, not knowing it would change her life forever. Inside was a simple note, but the words written on it were like a key unlocking a hidden world. The note said 'Follow the path where the sun never sets.' So, she set out on a journey. Along the way, she met strange characters, some helpful, some menacing. But she was determined to find the end of this path, and with each step, she discovered more about herself and the world around her.'

Well, you can start by identifying the lines you want to quote and marking them clearly. Then, put them within quotation marks to show they are a direct quote.