What is your favourite opening sentence from a classic novel (and why)?"When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home." "The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Why?
I love this opening sentence because this set the tone of The Outsiders when I read it in 7th grade. I related to Ponyboy immediately based on this one sentence.
"Scarlett O'Hara was not beautiful, but men seldom realized it when caught by her charm as the Tarleton twins were." Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Why?
Folks who have never read the book, but only viewed the movie might never realize this important part of Scarlett O'Hara's character. Vivian Leigh is a beautiful Scarlett, but it was Scarlett's charisma that caused all her men to fall in love with her, which is what makes her such an interesting character.
"When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow." To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Why?
Most folks don't realize the words spoken in the movie are not the first words of the novel. This one line is key because everything is leading up to the event that caused Jem to break his arm. In other words, by the end of the novel the author has taken us full circle through the Harper Lee's choice of her first line.
"Who is John Galt?" Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
Why?
An iconic sentence, that many folks know the meaning of, yet they may never have read the book.
Click on over to First Sentences for further commentary! Don't forget to take a peek at The Classics Club too.
Click on over to First Sentences for further commentary! Don't forget to take a peek at The Classics Club too.
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Very cool choices, particularly "The Outsiders" and "Gone with the Wind." I have not read either of them or seen their film adaptations. I should probably rectify that soon. Lovin' your blog! :)
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