What are your favourite first sentences from books? Is there a book that you liked specially because of its first sentence? Or a book, perhaps that you didn’t like but still remember simply because of the first line?
When I read today’s BTT topic, I immediately thought of
David Copperfield: “Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else, these pages must show.”
Pride and Prejudice: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”
Mrs. Dalloway: “Mrs. Dalloway said she would buy the flowers herself.”
I imagine there are many more, but every time I read the above sentences, the entire novel rushes back to me. I love the abject sincerity of Dickens, the wicked irony of Austen, and the pompous self-assurance of Woolf.
I have always been fascinated by the opening sentence and paragraph of literature — it’s the author’s best shot to grab the reader and, as they say, you only have one chance to make a first impression!
Whenever I design a kit for a book club, I write at least question asking readers to revisit the first sentence or paragraph of a work after they have finished reading it. I love re-visiting first impressions and discussing whether those expectations were realized or not.
I guess this is like any new relationship – can a negative first impression be overcome… or a positive one realize its potential?
What about you? Favorite first lines, anyone? (No need to look them up, by the way… I happened to have mine handy…)
I like Charles Dickens. Most of his books have great openings.
Hey I loved the first line of Pride and Prejudice…too. I have read the book at least 3 times but the first line came to me when I read your post. Just love that book
I used the Austen one too. And I agree it is the best shot to capture attention.
I didn’t know there was such a thing as a kit for a book club; what a good idea.
I knew P&P would be used, and your’s is the third time. Proof it’s a great and lasting book!
I didn’t even think of David Copperfield, it’s a great first line, too. It’s my second favorite Dickens’ book (Great Expectations is my favorite Dickens).
@ Gautami and Kool-Aid — I just love Dickens, too… And Great Expectations is definitely my favorite. I taught it for 12 years and never got tired of it — in fact, I looked forward to each year! I felt the same way about To Kill A Mockingbird and Romeo & Juliet (but the first lines of those aren’t nearly as good…). Thanks for the comments!
Violet and Chris — No matter what, as soon as I read that line from P&P, I am transported… to her mother’s irritating foibles, Elizabeth’s independence and dry sense of humor, Austen’s magical use of language… I wish I could reread it today! Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks, Sally! After spending 15 years teaching literature to adolescents, it just seemed like a natural fit.
I orginally had planned to only do kits for the classics, since there aren’t as many reading guides available. However, the classic kits have not been popular…
Instead, I keep getting orders for the “hot picks” — yesterday I finished a kit for Mudbound…
So, this month I moved the classic kits to my new site for teachers, parents, homeschoolers, etc. It’s been a fun project so far!!
I thought I had read David Copperfield but man I don’t remember that line. My brain is so frustrating.
I agree that the first page sets up a lot that you need to know about the book- voice, tone, point of view. I like the idea of revisiting the opening paragraph once you’ve finished the book, to see what it foreshadows or tells you.
@Confuzzled — I know I wouldn’t have remembered either, except that I used that sentence to introduce 9th grade hero essays for years
@Marie — What really interests me, too, are epigraphs. So many authors begin with a quote that has so much more meaning after reading the novel. But a epigraph at the end of a novel would seem strange…!
Great lines. I’ve gotta dig out my David Copperfield…
I agree with you about great opening lines bringing back the entire novel. I think I should make it a habit to reread the first line once I’ve finished the book.
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