The first line of a book carries immense weight, and some of the best opening lines have become as memorable as the book itself. It sets the tone, draws the reader in, and sometimes becomes as memorable as the book itself, making it a daunting task for writers. From classic literature to modern masterpieces, certain opening lines have transcended their pages, becoming cultural touchstones. In this blog, we explore the most famous first lines of books, uncovering what makes them so powerful and why they continue to captivate readers.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”
• Book: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (1859) • Historical Context: Published during the Victorian era, Dickens’ novel reflects the anxieties and upheavals of his time. The book examines the stark contrasts between the privileged and the impoverished, paralleling the tensions leading up to the French Revolution. • Why It’s Important: This first line encapsulates the duality of human experience—progress vs. suffering, hope vs. despair—resonating deeply with Dickens’ contemporary readers who were navigating the Industrial Revolution’s social and economic changes.
“Call me Ishmael.”
• Book: Moby-Dick by Herman Melville (1851) • Historical Context: Written during America’s Antebellum period, Moby-Dick emerged as a reflection of existential questions about humanity’s place in nature and the cosmos. It also came during a time when whaling was central to American industry and economy. • Why It’s Important: This enigmatic opening introduces a sense of intimacy and mystery. Ishmael’s invitation to “call” him by name reflects the narrative’s philosophical and introspective journey, mirroring a young nation grappling with identity and purpose.
“It is a truth universally acknowledged…”
• Book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813) • Historical Context: Austen wrote during the Regency era, a time of strict social hierarchy and economic pressures on women to marry for security rather than love. • Why It’s Important: This ironic opening critiques societal norms, signaling Austen’s sharp wit and subversive exploration of gender roles. Readers of the time would have recognized the satire and been intrigued by its playful tone.
4. “All happy families are alike…”
• Book: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (1878) • Historical Context: Tolstoy wrote during a period of social transformation in Russia, with growing tensions between traditional aristocratic values and the rise of modernity. The novel examines the fragility of familial and social structures. • Why It’s Important: This line introduces the novel’s exploration of the complexities of human relationships, particularly the unique ways in which unhappiness manifests—a topic resonant in a rapidly changing society.
5. “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.”
• Book1984 by George Orwell (1949) • Historical Context: Orwell penned 1984 in the aftermath of World War II, during the early years of the Cold War. The rise of totalitarian regimes and surveillance states profoundly influenced his work. • Why It’s Important: The jarring image of clocks striking thirteen immediately establishes a sense of unease, signaling a dystopian world where reality itself is manipulated—a reflection of Orwell’s fears about propaganda and authoritarian control.
6. “In my younger and more vulnerable years…”
• BookThe Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925) • Historical Context: Fitzgerald’s masterpiece captures the Jazz Age, a period of economic prosperity and cultural change following World War I. This era also saw the rise of the American Dream and its eventual disillusionment. • Why It’s Important: This reflective opening sets the tone for a novel deeply concerned with memory, morality, and the pursuit of an ideal—themes that resonated with readers during the Roaring Twenties’ societal shifts.
7. “You don’t know about me without you have read a book by the name of…”
• BookThe Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (1885) • Historical Context: Twain’s novel was published during Reconstruction, grappling with America’s legacy of slavery and the complexities of race relations in the post-Civil War South. • Why It’s Important: Huck’s conversational, rebellious tone reflects the novel’s challenge to societal norms. His voice gives agency to a marginalized perspective, addressing readers in a direct, almost confrontational way.
The historical backdrop of each book not only informs its themes but also amplifies the power of its first line. These opening words often serve as a reflection of their time, inviting readers to engage with the broader cultural, social, or political issues of the era. By understanding the context, modern readers gain a richer appreciation for these timeless lines. These opening words are widely regarded as some of the most impactful in literary history. Just as the phrase 'In the beginning God created' sets a foundational tone in the Bible, these opening lines establish the groundwork for the narratives that follow.
A great first line often:
Hooks the Reader: It piques curiosity, compelling the reader to keep going.
Sets the Tone: It provides a snapshot of the book’s mood and themes.
Stands Alone: Even out of context, it intrigues and resonates.
A great first line can resonate with all the world, capturing the attention of readers from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Think of first lines as literary appetizers: they give readers a taste of what’s to come and leave them hungry for more.
|
Book |
Author |
Publication Year |
First Line |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Pride and Prejudice |
Jane Austen |
1813 |
“It is a truth universally acknowledged…” |
|
Moby-Dick |
Herman Melville |
1851 |
“Call me Ishmael.” |
|
A Tale of Two Cities |
Charles Dickens |
1859 |
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” |
|
Great Expectations |
Charles Dickens |
1861 |
“My father’s family name being Pirrip, and my Christian name Philip…” |
|
Anna Karenina |
Leo Tolstoy |
1878 |
“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” |
|
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn |
Mark Twain |
1885 |
“You don’t know about me without you have read a book by the name of ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’…” |
|
The Great Gatsby |
F. Scott Fitzgerald |
1925 |
“In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice…” |
|
1984 |
George Orwell |
1949 |
“It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” |
Vivid imagery is a powerful tool in crafting a memorable opening line. By using sensory details, authors can transport readers into the world of the story, making them feel like they’re experiencing it firsthand. For example, in George Orwell’s 1984, the opening line “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen” paints a vivid picture of a dystopian world. The use of sensory details like the brightness and coldness of the day, combined with the ominous sound of the clocks striking thirteen, creates a sense of foreboding that draws the reader in.
Similarly, in J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, the opening line “All children, except one, grow up” uses vivid imagery to create a sense of wonder and curiosity. The use of the word “except” creates a sense of intrigue, making the reader wonder who this one child is and why they’re different. The image of children growing up is also a powerful one, evoking feelings of nostalgia and longing.
By using vivid imagery, authors can create opening lines that are both memorable and impactful, drawing readers into the world of the story and setting the tone for the rest of the novel.
Establishing a universal truth is another effective way to craft a memorable opening line. By stating a fundamental truth about human nature or the world, authors can create a sense of resonance with readers, making them feel like they’re reading something that speaks to their own experiences.
For example, in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, the opening line “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife” establishes a universal truth about the societal pressures and expectations placed on individuals. The use of the phrase “truth universally acknowledged” creates a sense of authority and wisdom, making the reader feel like they’re reading something that’s both insightful and relatable.
Similarly, in Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, the opening line “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way” establishes a universal truth about the nature of happiness and unhappiness. The use of the word “alike” creates a sense of similarity and shared experience, while the phrase “each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way” creates a sense of uniqueness and individuality.
By establishing a universal truth, authors can create opening lines that are both memorable and impactful, resonating with readers and setting the tone for the rest of the novel.
The opening line of a book is a crucial element in hooking the reader and drawing them into the story. A well-crafted opening line can set the tone for the rest of the book, establish the author’s voice, and create a sense of atmosphere that immerses the reader in the world of the story. In fact, many famous opening lines have become iconic in literature, such as “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” from Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, which sets the tone for a historical romance that explores themes of love, class, and social change.
While some opening lines like 'It was a dark and stormy night' have become notorious for their overuse, they still serve as a lesson in the importance of crafting a compelling start.
A good opening line can also raise questions in the reader’s mind, such as “They shoot the white girl first. With the rest they take their time” from Toni Morrison’s Paradise, which raises questions about the plot and the characters. This technique is often used to create a sense of mystery and intrigue, drawing the reader in and encouraging them to keep reading to find out more.
In addition, a well-crafted opening line can establish the author’s voice and writing style, such as “I write this sitting in the kitchen sink” from Dodie Smith’s I Capture the Castle, which establishes the author’s witty and humorous voice. This can help to create a sense of connection with the reader and make the story more relatable and engaging.
The writing style of an opening line can also play a crucial role in hooking the reader. A well-crafted opening line can use a variety of techniques, such as imagery, metaphor, and allusion, to create a vivid and engaging picture in the reader’s mind. For example, “In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort” from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit uses imagery and metaphor to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Consider the opening line from James Joyce's Ulysses, where "the razor lay crossed" immediately captures the reader's attention with its vivid imagery and sets the tone for the novel.
In addition, a good opening line can use a variety of sentence structures and lengths to create a sense of rhythm and flow. For example, “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen” from George Orwell’s 1984 uses a short, punchy sentence to create a sense of urgency and foreboding.
Many classic novels have famous opening lines that have become iconic in literature. For example, “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife” from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is a classic example of a well-crafted opening line that sets the tone for a romance that explores themes of love, class, and social status.
Another example is “Call me Ishmael” from Herman Melville's Moby-Dick, which is a simple yet powerful opening line that establishes the narrator's voice and sets the tone for an epic sea story that explores themes of obsession, revenge, and the human condition.
Before you can craft an iconic first line, you need to start writing. Here are some tips to help you get started:
• Start with Conflict or Intrigue: Draw readers in with something unusual or surprising.
• Use Strong, Unique Voices: A distinctive narrative voice can make even a simple sentence unforgettable.
• Hint at Bigger Themes: Let your first line suggest the scope of your story.
What's your favorite first line of a book? Are there any that have inspired your own writing? Share how a particular author writes their opening lines and how it has influenced you. Share your thoughts in the comments below or submit your work to Westbrae Literary Group for consideration. We're always looking for fresh voices with stories to tell.
At Westbrae Literary Group, we celebrate the power of words—whether it's a brilliant first line or a transformative story. We appreciate the art of world building, starting with a compelling first line that draws readers into a richly constructed fictional world. If you're an author looking for a platform to showcase your work, check out our submission guidelines today.