First sentences
I am endeavoring to produce a blockbuster, earthshaking, and potentially an academically career-ending theory for literary criticism: I read the first sentence and judge accordingly. Witness the following time saving reviews (totally at random): In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.—But can He follow that up? On an exceptionally hot evening early in July a young man came out of the garret in which he lodged in S. Place and walked slowly, as though in hesitation, towards K. Bridge.—Heck of a sentence. I predict great things from this writer, a Mr. Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Note to Hollywood: Don't change that name. For a long time I used to go to bed early. —Ok, maybe this loses in translation. (Swann's Way by a M. Proust.) Look at a map that shows the north Pacific Ocean. —Obviously written by a Neanderthal. (The complete Idiot's Guide to American History, 2nd Ed.) On my right hand there were lines of fishing stakes resembling a mysterious system of half-submer...