IN THE BEGINNING
8 Of The Best Incipits Of All-Time Literature
Published on December 28, 2023
Credit: Chris Lawton
Embarking on a literary journey is akin to stepping into a parallel universe. The first few lines of a book, known as the incipit, serve as a gateway into an author's world, setting the tone for the entire narrative. If you happen to be browsing through a bookstore, these powerful first words might actually sell the book faster than any back cover blurb can.
From captivating openings to iconic first sentences, these incipits have left an indelible mark on literature. Join us as we explore some of the best incipits of all time, each a masterclass in the art of literary enticement.
"Call me Ishmael."
Credit: Ray Harrington
Book: Moby-Dick by Herman Melville (1851)
In the vast ocean of literature, few incipits are as instantly recognizable as the opening line of Moby-Dick. Melville's choice of a first-person, informal address invites readers to forge a personal connection with the narrator, Ishmael. This simple yet enigmatic introduction sets the stage for the epic voyage that unfolds.
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…"
Credit: Constant Loubier
Book: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (1859)
Dickens' masterful dichotomy in the opening of A Tale of Two Cities captures the essence of the turbulent historical backdrop against which the novel is set. This iconic incipit not only mirrors the societal upheavals of the French Revolution but also foreshadows the contrasting fates that await the characters.
"All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."
Credit: Jaunt and Joy
Book: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (1878)
Tolstoy's incipit in Anna Karenina acts as a profound reflection on the diversity of human suffering. Contrasting the consistency of happiness with the individual qualities of pain and misfortunes, the author encapsulates the intricate web of conflicting emotions that are explored in the novel.
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
Credit: Calvin Craig
Book: Book of Genesis (debated authorship and date)
Arguably, the opening line of the Book of Genesis is one of the most influential incipits in human history. Its apparent simplicity holds deep significance, marking the dawn of many different religious interpretations and inspiring countless literary and artistic works. Regardless of one's beliefs, this incipit's impact on literature, philosophy, and art cannot be overstated, making it an essential inclusion in our list.
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."
Credit: Y Park
Book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)
Austen's brilliance shines in the opening line of her most celebrated novel of manners, which playfully satirizes societal expectations regarding marriage and wealth. It immediately immerses readers in the world of manners, relationships, and class differences of the early 19th century.
"The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there."
Credit: Peter Herrmann
Book: The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley (1953)
Hartley's incipit in his novel The Go-Between is like a piercing arrow that forces us to reflect on the very nature of time and memory. The opening line hints at the novel's exploration of nostalgia, regret, and the consequences of revisiting the past through the eyes of a naive character, just like a foreigner might see a new country.
"It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen."
Credit: Parker Coffman
Book: 1984 by George Orwell (1949)
1984's chilling opening line immediately transports readers to a dystopian world where even something as mundane as a clock can give an impossible hour, signaling that something is deeply wrong. The novel’s protagonist, Winston Smith, sets out from that point on to navigate an unsettling and oppressive world where everything - and everyone - is in plain view, yet the truth is always hidden.
"It was a pleasure to burn."
Credit: Yaoqi
Book: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953)
To end this list, a personal favorite. The provocative opening line of Bradbury's masterful novel ignites the imagination immediately. Before learning what is being burned—that is, books—readers are already immersed in the psychological perspective of the protagonist, a fireman who does not fight fires but rather causes them. An incisive commentary on censorship, knowledge, and conformity begins with this fiery and memorable incipit, inviting readers into a thought-provoking exploration of intellectual freedom.