Famous First Lines

Featuring classic first lines from works across the literary spectrum, from Moby Dick to Fifty Shades of Grey, Famous First Lines is intended as a resource for those looking for a just little help getting that novel started. As you will see, not all of the suggestions offered below are still available. Feel free to post your own contributions to help our fellow authors.

LADY CHATTERLY’S LOVER, by D.H. Lawrence

First Line: “Ours is essentially a tragic age, so we refuse to take it tragically.” (not available)

Alternative 1:

“Ours is essentially a pathologically narcissistic age, so we refuse to do anything that cannot be electronically posted to the universe, approved by strangers, and photo-documented with a selfie… (but please “like” this sentence anyway). ” (available)

Alternative 2:

“Ours is essentially a corrupted age, so we refuse to embrace any aspect of the advancement or salvation of humanity that cannot be monetized, cheapened, and bartered away for something else. ” (available)

Alternative 3:

“Ours is essentially a shallow age, so we splash mightily in our teacups over things of little consequence.” (available)

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Famous First Lines

LADY CHATTERLY’S LOVER, by D.H. Lawrence

First Line: “Ours is essentially a tragic age, so we refuse to take it tragically.” (not available)