First Lines
The first lines of a novel are like the opening notes of a symphony—they set the tone, introduce the key themes, and beckon readers into a world of words. In the realm of literature, these initial words are far from mere formalities; they are, in fact, the literary equivalent of a first impression, often determining whether a reader will eagerly embark on a literary journey or close the book. The importance of first lines in literature cannot be overstated, for they serve as the captivating gateway to a realm where stories come to life and characters spring from the pages.
Just as a painter selects their colours with care or a musician strikes the right chords to create an emotional resonance, authors meticulously craft their opening lines to accomplish a multitude of objectives. These lines must entice, intrigue, and, above all, convey the essence of what lies ahead. They are, in essence, the blueprint of the narrative, hinting at the intricate tapestry of plots, characters, and emotions that will unfold as the story progresses.
Moreover, the first lines serve as a compact representation of an author's style and unique voice. They offer a glimpse into the linguistic prowess of the writer, the rhythm of their prose, and their ability to wield words with precision and artistry. In doing so, they establish a bridge between author and reader, forging a connection that transcends the physical pages of the book.
In this exploration of the importance of first lines in literature, we will delve into the myriad functions they perform: from foreshadowing key themes to capturing the reader's attention, from introducing memorable characters to setting the stage for profound narratives. We will discover how these opening sentences wield tremendous power, making them an integral aspect of the literary experience. So, let us embark on a journey through the realm of words, guided by the notion that the first lines of a novel are, indeed, the compass that directs us toward literary adventure and enlightenment.
TASK: Read and discuss the following first lines of the famous novel. Then match the first line with the synopsis below.
First Lines
Hale knew, before he had been in Brighton three hours, that they meant to murder him.
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, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth.
It was the day my grandmother exploded.
They shoot the white girl first.
You better not never tell nobody but God
The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.
It was a queer, sultry summer, the summer they electrocuted the Rosenbergs, and I didn't know what I was doing in New York.
The snow in the mountains was melting and Bunny had been dead for several weeks before we came to understand the gravity of our situation.
High, high above the North Pole, on the first day of 1969, two professors of English Literature approached each other at a combined velocity of 1200 miles per hour.
All this happened, more or less.
Synopses
A. Alice Walker, The Color Purple (1982)
The Color Purple is the moving and inspiring tale of a poor and uneducated young black girl, Celie, in 1930's American deep south. Suffering repeated rape from the man she calls 'father' her two children are taken away from her, she is separated from her beloved sister and then trapped into an unhappy marriage. Her life begins to change course when she meets a glamorous singer, Shug Averie, a woman who has taken charge of her own life. Celie gradually discovers her own strength of spirit, managing to free herself from her past and reunite with her lost loved ones.
B. David Lodge, Changing Places (1975)
As the sun sets on the turbulent sixties, two academics are flying in opposite directions, each one to the other's university to take part in an annual exchange scheme. Expecting to be swapping classes, they are not prepared for the imbroglio of student, colleague and even wife swapping that ensues. Changing Places is a brilliant satire on academic life, intellectual fashion, sex and marriage.
C. J. D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye (1951)
Holden Caulfield is a rebellious seventeen-year-old who has just been kicked out of his fourth school. As he stumbles through adolescence in the direction of adulthood, Holden rips into aspects of society that he sees as 'phony'; people like his headmaster, whose amiability towards students seems dependent on the wealth of their parents. The Catcher in the Rye explores the world with an honesty and warmth that has made it a much-loved classic of twentieth-century literature
D. lain M. Banks, The Crow Road (1992)
Part coming-of-age, part detective story, The Crow Road tells of Prentice McHoan's return to the bosom of his Scottish family and his quest to uncover the truth of his uncle's disappearance. Along the way he battles with unrequited love, estrangement from his father, academic failure and sibling rivalry.
E. Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse Five (1969)
Slaughterhouse Five is an absurdist anti-war classic about Billy Pilgrim, a man who is abducted by aliens from the planet Tralfamadore and consequently becomes unstuck in time'. Time fractures as each part of Pilgrim's life story is told simultaneously, focusing on his (and the author's) harrowing experience as an American prisoner of war during the infamous bombing of Dresden.
F. Graham Greene, Brighton Rock (1938)
Greene's underworld thriller exposes a world where life is lived on the dangerous edge of things'. It tells the story of ruthless teenage gang leader, Pinkie. Having committed murder, he believes he can escape justice. However, he is unprepared for the moral courage of Ida Arnold who determines to make Pinkie pay for his crime, and to protect his innocent young wife.
G. Toni Morrison, Paradise (1998)
At the heart of this novel is the vicious attack on four young women in a convent near an all-black town in 1970's America. Around this swirls the drama - past, present and future - of the interior lives of the townsfolk - from the young women themselves, to rednecks, businessmen, war veterans and a church minister.
H. Donna Tart, The Secret History (1992)
The first novel by the Mississippi born writer, Donna Tart, tells the story of six classics students at an elite college in Vermont. It is an inverted detective story - a 'whydunnit?' rather than a 'whodunnit?' One of the students knows a secret which he uses to blackmail the rest of the group. The group decide to kill him and the narrator carries out the deed, pushing him into a ravine during a hiking trip. The rest of the novel documents the fragmentation of the group.
I Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar (1963)
The only novel written by the American poet, Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar is narrated by the main character who, during the course of the novel becomes more and more mentally ill with depression, a feeling that she describes as like being trapped beneath a bell jar. By turns funny and disturbing, the novel is semi-autobiographical and, tragically, Plath herself committed suicide a month after its first UK publication.
J. LP. Hartley, The Go-Between (1953)
As an elderly man Leo reminisces about his childhood, and in particular, one long, sultry summer when, as a thirteen year old boy, he stayed with a school friend at Brandham Hall. After being asked to act as 'go-between' for the farmer and his lover, a daughter of the upper class family Leo is staying with, he gets drawn deeper and deeper into an adult world of deception and desire. The Go-Between is a moving tale of a boy's loss of innocence and an evocative portrayal of the class divides in Edwardian society.
Discussion
Why do you think authors place so much emphasis on the first lines of their novels? How do these opening lines impact readers' perceptions of the story to come?
Discuss the different tones and moods conveyed by the various opening lines. How does the tone of an opening line relate to the genre and themes of the novel?
Were there any opening lines that surprised you or challenged your initial expectations of the novel's content? If so, which ones and why?
In literature, the first lines are often considered the "hook" to capture the reader's attention. Which opening lines from the activity do you believe are the most effective hooks, and why?
Consider the cultural and historical context of the novels. How do the opening lines reflect the time periods or social issues that the novels address?
Which opening line resonated with you the most on a personal level? Did it remind you of any personal experiences or feelings?
Discuss the importance of setting in literature. How do the opening lines provide clues about the settings or locations where the stories unfold?
In some cases, the opening lines introduce the main characters or their perspectives. How do these initial character introductions impact your perception of the characters?
Explore the idea of symbolism in literature. Are there any symbolic elements or phrases in the opening lines that hint at deeper meanings within the novels?
If you were to write an opening line for your own novel or story, what elements or themes would you want to convey to your readers?
