Monday, May 18, 2015

The Classics - Opening Lines: Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Timeless_Books.jpg/320px-Timeless_Books.jpgSomewhere in La Mancha, in a place whose name I do not care to remember, a gentleman lived not long ago, one of those who has a lance and ancient shield on a shelf and keeps a skinny nag and a greyhound for racing. (published 1605)

I love the classics and plan to share some "opening lines" over the coming months. Comment if you like, or read for inspiration.
Writing styles were different then, but were they really? 


22 comments:

  1. Good choice of opening lines Sharon.
    Yvonne.

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  2. I haven't read Don Quixote, but I recently saw it at a library sale. I picked it up but put it back down. I should've gotten it! Darn.

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    1. It was required reading in college, but I like the stage production best.

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  3. I haven't read it unfortunately, but our local community theatre did an excellent performance of the musical "The Man of La Mancha." Definitely makes me want to read the book!

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  4. What a great opening line. I always had this on my list to read since I love the musical so much. This is a great opening if I can say so again

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  5. I don't know why, but every time I read that line I imagine an old man in a tavern, glass of wine, and straw hat. Ha!

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  6. Oh I love this - it's transported me into another world altogether. How wonderful that from so long ago, writers e.g. Shakespeare can evoke such strong imagery.

    Thanks Sharon ...

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  7. Oh...and I haven't begun to share Shakespeare yet. So many wonderful choices to pick! The list is endless.

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  8. I'd never before read the opening lines. Like Lori, I've seen The Man of La Mancha--and loved it.

    I like this idea for a regular post! Sometimes I go to Amazon and start scrolling through books just to read their opening lines. :-)

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    1. That's so interesting, Teresa. Thanks for stopping by!

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  9. Lovely opening line that has clearly held up over the centuries! You should check out the opening line of The Tale of Heike, from Japan. It is the most famous line in their literature, and it is gorgeous. :)

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  10. I can't believe I've never read this. It's on my TBR list.

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  11. You're the second blog I noticed with something about Don Quixote. Maybe this is a sign I should read the book.

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  12. Ha-ha. I hope you do, Cindy. Thanks for stopping by.

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  13. I've never read Don Quijote, thought I sold hundreds of copies of his book - I work in a university bookshop ;-)
    You know, this is really a good opening. But then, even students say this book is fun.

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  14. That's funny. I always thought it'd be fun to work in a book store. Kind of like working in a candy store with lots of chocolate :)

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You could call me an eternal optimist, but I'm really just a dreamer. l believe in dream fulfillment, because 'sometimes' dreams come true. This is a blog about my journey as a writer and things that inspire and motivate me.