Monday, January 18, 2016

The Classics - Opening Lines: The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper

"It was a feature peculiar to the colonial wars of North America, that the toils and dangers of the wilderness were to be encountered before the adverse hosts could meet. A wide and apparently an impervious boundary of forests severed the possessions of the hostile provinces of France and England." (Published 1826)

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?

12 comments:

  1. Such a classic you picked. Well done.
    Yvonne.

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    1. I wish I'd read this classic. The history during this period sounds so interesting. Thanks!

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  2. I gave this book to my mom a few years ago because she loves the movie. And she still hadn't read it. LOL!

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    1. Well, you might just have to remind her :) The movie was great though.

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  3. These will be great to read. And inspiring.

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    1. The opening doesn't read like typical fiction. Might take awhile to read this one :)

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  4. Hey Sharon,

    Nice one and how about that reference to "the hostile provinces of France and England." Some things never change! :)

    The writing styles of dogs are different now, according to Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar!

    Gary

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    1. Goodness, still hostile today? I wouldn't know.
      Penny knows her stuff huh :)

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  5. I love opening lines and the classics. I look forward to reading the lines you share with us. I haven't read The Last of the Mohicans- but oddly enough I picked up at the library last week and was debating getting it. :)
    ~Jess

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    1. Well, now you have to go back. That doesn't sound like a coincidence to me :) Enjoy!

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  6. Thanks Sharon, as impactful now as then - I love those lines '... that the toils and dangers of the wilderness were to be encountered before the adverse hosts could meet.' And apologies if my comment is repeated ...

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    1. I have an image of this story in my mind, but mostly from the movie. I read the Deerslayer years ago. Lots of wilderness in both stories and warfare between settlers and Indians. It may be historical fiction but it's told through the eyes of someone who actually lived during that period.

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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.