Regards,
Posted on 04/05/2023 8:34:50 PM PDT by Saije
A good first line is not always necessary because who stops reading after one sentence? But it can be extremely useful in building expectations for the style and characterisation that will follow. While book jackets can indicate a broad genre, that line can define the subgenre.
The opening may establish the tone, character, location, era or season but it can also pull a reader into the realm of the story that follows, and often into the head of the protagonist or into an alternate reality. When we open a book, we are ready to embark on a journey. The starter pistol should propel us forward. In my experience, a great opening will also raise questions that needs to be answered. Who or why or how or indeed, wtf?
In my own work, I like to set the opening line in the aftermath of a major event. I write first-person narratives and the reaction of the protagonist to this event should give the reader a good indication of the type of character... To demonstrate, here are some of my favourite openings by other writers.
1. Breakfast Wine from There Are Little Kingdoms by Kevin Barry
"They say it takes just three alcoholics to keep a small bar running in a country town and while myself and the cousin, Thomas, were doing what we could, we were a man shy, and these were difficult days for Mr Kelliher, licensee of the North Star, Pearse Street."
A whole world and three distinct characters have been created in this one sentence. Our narrator is aware of the fact that he is an alcoholic, but does Thomas know that the narrator is? Does he know that he is? Where is poor Mr Kelliher going to find a third alcoholic to keep his doors open?
(Excerpt) Read more at theguardian.com ...
“The past is a different country. They do things differently there.”
Correction,! ack!
“The past is a foreign country. They do things differently there.”
The best cat I ever had was a tuxedo polydactyl. Smart and very affectionate.
“3 May. Bistritz. Left Munich at 8:35 pm on 1 May, arriving at Vienna early next morning; should have arrived at 6:46 pm but train was an hour late.”Would have thought that opening line to be a favorite of the left.
Regards,
Not a first line but one that is memorable and ironic in a way.
“One day, the computer woke up” by a character/narrator Mannie in Robert Heilein’s 1966 science fiction novel, “The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.” It was in reference to a computer that controlled much of the 2075 moon colony’s automated needs, and is one of the first instances of the use of the term “woke,” but not in today’s use context.
When Mannie says “woke” he’s saying the computer became self-aware and eventually it took on the rebel persona of Adam Selene who essentially came to run the moon’s rebellion against Earth’s remote domination of the moon. And, as the rebellion became stronger, Adam was asked “How do we fight back?” Another pivotal line with deep impact, “We’re going to throw rocks at them.”
I read this while stationed overseas in 1970 working mid-shifts and found it fascinating. It prompted me to become a huge Heilein fan and I read all of his books...
Once upon a time…
One of my favorite first lines is a chapter heading in a sharp’s rifle book.
“A cavalry charge starts out slow.”
“They used to hang men at Four Turnings in the old days. Not any more though.”
That line should be in the top ten of all first lines.
Another great line. The lines we’re adding here are better than the list at the link.
It was a dark and stormy night…
A hole in one.
“Sing, goddess, the anger of Peleus’ son Achilles...”
Also, a good book I’d recommend “Achilles in Vietnam” about PTSD.
👍👍👍👍👍
Who is John Galt?
“The night was sultry.”
Call me Ishmael.
“Marley was dead”
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.