Finish the Famous First Line

A great first line can hook a reader instantly — setting the tone for the entire story, or leaving a phrase forever burned into memory. From the hauntingly poetic to the simple but striking, many of the most famous books in history begin with opening lines that are quoted again and again. But how well do you really know them? In this quiz, you’ll be presented with the beginning of a famous literary first line — and you’ll need to pick the correct way it ends. Some will be obvious, others will really test your knowledge! First lines matter. They introduce us to new worlds, intriguing characters, and unforgettable adventures. They grab attention, spark curiosity, and make us want to read more. A great first sentence can give you chills, make you laugh, or even inspire generations. From classic novels to modern masterpieces, these lines are part of our cultural memory. Whether you’re a lifelong book lover or just someone who enjoys testing your literary smarts, this quiz will challenge you to remember the exact words that launched some of the greatest stories ever told. You might be surprised which ones you recognize instantly — and which ones stump you! Are you ready to play? Grab your mental bookshelf and let’s begin!
No. 1 /10
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"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."

it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness.
the sun was setting over London.
the city slept beneath the clouds.
people whispered in the streets.
No. 2 /10
"Call me Ishmael."

Simple as that.
From the beginning of my story.
These are the words that start my tale.
That is all you need to know.
No. 3 /10
gettyimages
"All happy families are alike;..."

each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.
sad families always cry at the table.
all unhappy families argue about money.
love does not conquer all.
No. 4 /10
"It is a truth universally acknowledged..."

that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.
that happiness comes to those who seek it.
that love is the truest pursuit.
that wealth cannot buy affection.
No. 5 /10
Getty
"Once upon a midnight dreary..."

while I pondered, weak and weary.
my heart grew cold and leery.
dreams began to fade to eerie.
the shadows whispered clearly.
No. 6 /10
"In a hole in the ground there lived..."

a hobbit.
a rabbit.
a troll.
a wizard.
No. 7 /10
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/19/Bela_lug
"There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb..."

and he almost deserved it.
and his fate was sealed.
and he liked the name.
and he was quite proud of it.
No. 8 /10
"Marley was dead..."

to begin with.
long before this story starts.
and all knew it.
without a doubt.
No. 9 /10
"It was a bright cold day in April..."

and the clocks were striking thirteen.
and the air smelled of fear.
and shadows stretched across the ground.
and the sky was pale and empty.
No. 10 /10
"It is a truth rarely spoken..."

that readers love a good first line.
that stories begin in the mind.
that authors struggle with opening words.
that magic lies in the start.
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