by Katherine Abissi

With the opening of a new semester, I thought it would be appropriate to look at some famous opening lines. The opening line of a creative work is often seen as the hook. The hook, like a fishing rod, is cast as bait to convince readers to continue the story. First lines can range from short, flashy, complex, horrifying, etc. Not only is the first line meant to engage the reader, but it also can reflect the tone of the entire piece. Here are some of my favorites:

“A Long Time Ago In A Galaxy Far Far Away”

This opening line is recognizable to millions of people. George Lucas captures his Star Wars audience from the start with a simple statement that establishes the story’s setting. Immediately, the audience knows that the story being presented is unlike what they are familiar, which effectively draws them deeper into the world. The line (and the music that accompanies it) are now an iconic staple of science fiction and movies in general.

The novel The Secret History by Donna Tart opens with the line, “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” (Tart 1). In this opening, Tart provides a compelling introduction to the world of Richard Papen and artfully introduces the mysterious and sinister overtones of the dark academia novel as Richard navigates his unique college experience.

“It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen” (Orwell 1) is the famous opening line of the genre defining dystopian novel 1984 by George Orwell. This line draws the reader in by establishing a world that is both familiar and foreign. In one line, Orwell establishes the uncanny tone of the novel that reflects the dystopian genre and the protagonist’s own feeling of unease.

Alexandra Christo opens her novel To Kill a Kingdom with “I have a heart for every year I’ve been alive” (1). The line portrays the dark and vicious themes present in the novel with the protagonist, Lira, being a siren whose culture focuses on killing. In this young adult fantasy retelling of The Little Mermaid, morals are questioned and hearts are put on the line. The opening line compels the readers to dive into the complex and somewhat familiar world of Lira and Prince Elian.

“It took seven years to get the letter right” (Garber 1) is the opening line of the whimsical fantasy book Caraval by Stephanie Garber. The line establishes how the protagonist, Scarlett, has been waiting for something, which foreshadows the constant state of anticipation showcased throughout the novel. The letters also directly connect to the setting and main plot of the novel featuring a magical circus which has no rules save for one, to remember that it’s only a game.

As you can see, beginning lines can establish setting, reveal character, hint at theme, and more. Above all, though, the most important thing about an opening is that it must lure the reader in.