Novel Quiz: Famous Opening Lines

I was 7/13. Pretty lousy but I consider there were a lot of authors who have big reputations but basically write for the kiddies. I don't really care for the giant lizards....


BB

8/13, but one was a complete guess - I've not read that many novels.

8/13 - guessed at most of them though.

Haven't thought about Vonnegut for years. First novel of his I read was "Breakfast of Champions". Never forget the line:

"Slaves were a kind of farm machine made of meat..."

quote:

Originally posted by ROTF:
8/13, but one was a complete guess - I've not read that many novels.

Don't worry about guessing - I guessed all of mine!

I believe that I have not read one of the books in the quiz answers.

garyi

You've got to read Jane Austen. You'll go around for the rest of the week after you finish it saying things like:

"I don't believe we are acquainted."

"That is most disagreeable."

"What extraordinary conceit!"

"The power of doing anything with quickness is always prized much by the possessor, and often without any attention to the imperfection of the performance."

and don't forget 'upon my word'!

Hey! Is 8/13 turning out to be some scientifically-determined result...?! Me too (but I did know the ones I got right, mostly... and I would have been cross - and more red-faced - if tale of Two Cities and Pride and Prejudice hadn't turned up!!)

quote:

Originally posted by JWM:
Hey! Is 8/13 turning out to be some scientifically-determined result...?! Me too (but I did know the ones I got right, mostly... and I would have been cross - and more red-faced - if tale of Two Cities and Pride and Prejudice hadn't turned up!!)

A tale of two cities must have the most famous opening line AND famous last line of any book ever published.

What is the last line?

(I think it is Dickens's best work although it is his least typical methinks)

quote:

Originally posted by Deane F:
garyi


"The power of doing anything with quickness is always prized much by the possessor, and often without any attention to the imperfection of the performance."

Yeah, SWMBO is always quoting that - I cant think why?

quote:

Originally posted by acad tsunami:

quote:

Originally posted by JWM:
Hey! Is 8/13 turning out to be some scientifically-determined result...?! Me too (but I did know the ones I got right, mostly... and I would have been cross - and more red-faced - if tale of Two Cities and Pride and Prejudice hadn't turned up!!)

A tale of two cities must have the most famous opening line AND famous last line of any book ever published.

What is the last line?

(I think it is Dickens's best work although it is his least typical methinks)

"It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done. It is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known."

quote:

Originally posted by JWM:
[QUOTE]

"It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done. It is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known."

Excellent James. Upon my word you are right again.

quote:

Originally posted by acad tsunami:


(I think it is Dickens's best work although it is his least typical methinks)

Most critics would give that honor to 'Bleak House' but what the hell do I know, I'm 7/13.


BB

Bleak House is great - they are all great - two cities just happens to be my favourite - sacrifice is so noble. I think the Beebs Bleak House was perfection. I can't think of anything done on TV that has been done so well with the possible exception of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

8/13 and got 2001 wrong (read the bloody thing years ago though. in fact well before 2001)

Feeling rather chuffed here - 10/13

Ta for the link.

regards
Richard S

Fun quiz. I got 8/13 ... some I knew cold, some were informed guesses (Peter Pan), and some lucky guesses (One Hundred Years of Solitude).

I, too, blew 2001 ... guessed Dune, not that I've read it but the opening line seemed a good set up for something with that title.

Call me Jonah ... could only be Vonnegut's humor, but Cat's Cradle isn't one of his that I've read.

I remembered too late that the line about each unhappy family being unhappy in its own way was Tolstoy, having chosen Tennessee Williams instead. But Williams could have written it, and, in fact, it could serve as a summary of all his work.

Finally, I also blew It was a dark and stormy night ... guessing Poe instead. Upon reflection, I realized that this was a classic case of a cliché which is universally considered a cliché for good reason, and that not even Poe could have written a line that bad.

All best,
Fred

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Novel Quiz: Famous Opening Lines
Not bad!
You got 9/13 correct.
Let's face it: Every brain needs a good workout now and again

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but I would have got the Vonnegut one wrong but for reading too much of the post above before attempting the quiz so really I'm a 8/13ER too



SJB