The most beloved authors know that it only takes one sentence, even one word, to lure readers in an entirely different world or dimension. The joy of finding this level of captivation at the beginning of a book is a kind of satisfaction that cannot be traded for anything.
Opening Lines
What is so special about the beginning of a story? A well written first page sets the tone and atmosphere of the story. It gives off the impression if a book is worthy to be read or not. In other words, the opening lines can either make or break a story. Aside from grabbing the attention of its readers, enticing them to continue reading provides a chance to introduce characters and establish the type of narrator. This is why we love a gripping opening, and here are some of the best opening lines in classic novels.
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5. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (1911)
When Mary Lennox was sent to Misselthwaite Manor to live with her uncle everybody said she was the most disagreeable-looking child ever seen.
The beginning immediately described the main character in a brutally honest way. It signifies the sharpness and truthfulness of the book. Despite being intended for younger readers, the story presents a harshness that can sometimes be found in coming-of-age tales.
Contrary to its opening line, The Secret Garden has been an endearing children’s classic since it was first published. This is the story of an orphan named Mary Lennox who discovered a secret garden in her uncle’s hundred room mansion. Throughout the book, Mary spends her time looking for a way in, and the garden became her only escape. Will the garden bring her life back again?
4. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (1859)
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.
This beginning is one of the most iconic opening lines in classic literature. The beauty of using paradoxical phrases elevated the quality of narration and intrigued the readers. It can be argued that the opening lines are more familiar than the story itself. Charles Dickens expertly combines contradictory statements throughout this book to describe Paris and London during the French revolution.
A Tale of Two Cities is a classic historical fiction with complex set of characters and events about injustice, social anarchy, imprisonment, and resurrection. The novel effectively outlines the difference of how the rich and poor interacted during the 1800’s.
3. The Stranger by Albert Camus (1942)
Mother died today. Or maybe, yesterday; I can’t be sure.
This powerful opening line causes the reader to wonder how the narrator can be so neutral about their mother’s death. This famous novel by Albert Camus has a beginning that provides a glimpse of the perspective readers will follow throughout the story: unreliable, unsure, unbelievable.
The Stranger tells the story of how an ordinary man, who struggles with conforming to society’s expectations, is drawn into an Algerian beach murder. It has been explained that the author explores “the nakedness of man faced with the absurd”.
2. The Color Purple by Alice Walker (1982)
You better not never tell nobody but God. It’d kill your mammy.
I can never move on from this line. These are words spoken by an abusive father to his daughter; these words have haunted many who have read this classic. Due to her father’s command, the main character, Celie writes a series of private letters to God and eventually to her sisters.
Realizing how heavy and gripping the beginning was, I see The Color Purple as a novel worth reading. It signifies the journey of redemption and love including the pain, struggle and bravery required. It especially depicts the lives of women of color who broke their silence and spoke out about domestic and sexual abuse.
1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.
With this opening line, there is no doubt why Pride and Prejudice remains even now as one of the most famous classics out there. Readers know in an instant that they are in for a romantic clash between social classes coupled with social expectations. The proud beau, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and opinionated Ms. Elizabeth Bennet bring out the best character development in classic literature.
It is truly amazing to remember these classics through their unforgettable opening lines. As a reader, I am really picky on what I want to read and the beginnings are really important for me.
