Quote:
Originally Posted by LDBoblo
It can be contextualized and seen as beautiful once the main content has been digested, but I agree that it as an independent line is unconvincing, and generally suggests a contrived style in modern literature.
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I think that's right.
My favourite opening line is from Robertson Davies:
"Parlabane is back."
We're off and running. Already we have three characters, we know something about Parlabane - he's (and somehow we know it's a 'he') returned, and his return is significant enough to warrant comment. The fact that it's not embellished indicates there's a lot unsaid, that doesn't need saying between the characters having the conversation. There's a history between them, the use of a surname suggests it may not have been an amicable one,and his return not entirely welcome. All this from the first three words!
That's a great opening line!!
(imho)