How important are quotes that begin a novel?

Another way is to analyze the themes related to the quotes. When we see a quote like 'The hotel had an almost sentient quality, a malevolent awareness', we can tie it to the theme of the supernatural in the novel. The hotel being sentient-like represents the idea that there are forces beyond our understanding at work, and it also creates a sense of horror and dread. We can then look at how this theme is developed throughout the story using other quotes and events.

The quote 'The people come with nets to fish for potatoes in the river, and the guards hold them back; they come in rattling cars to get the dumped oranges, but the kerosene is sprayed. And they stand still and watch the potatoes float by, listen to the screaming pigs being killed in a ditch and covered with quicklime, watch the mountains of oranges slop down to a putrefying ooze; and in the eyes of the people there is the failure; and in the eyes of the hungry there is a growing wrath.' This quote vividly describes the injustice and waste that the people face, which in turn fuels their wrath.

One famous example is 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times' from 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens. This quote immediately sets a tone of contrast and complexity, drawing the reader in to explore the different aspects of the era the story is set in.

Important quotes could include those that reveal the harsh realities and sacrifices, like 'In war, there are no heroes, only survivors.' They often offer deep insights into the nature of war.

Quotes related to family heritage can also be significant. 'The stories of our ancestors echoed around Crow Lake, shaping our present as much as the land itself.' This emphasizes how the past and the place of Crow Lake are connected to the characters' identities.

One important quote is 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.' It reflects the descent into madness of the main character, Jack, as he becomes consumed by the isolation and the dark forces in the Overlook Hotel.

One important quote could be about the power struggle between Kane and Abel. 'Their fates were intertwined, yet their paths to power were as different as night and day.' This shows how they were both in the pursuit of power but in very different ways.

A key quote is 'We know that no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it. Power is not a means, it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship.' This shows how the surveillance state in 1984 is part of the Party's hold on power. By constantly watching the people, they can prevent any uprising or deviation from the Party line.

Another important quote could be related to Cassian Andor's moral struggle. Something like 'I've done terrible things in the name of the Rebellion.' This quote delves into the complex nature of the fight, that sometimes the good guys have to do morally ambiguous things for the greater good. It makes the characters more relatable and the story more nuanced.

One important quote could be related to the double indemnity clause itself, perhaps something like 'The double indemnity clause was like a siren song, too tempting to resist.' This quote would highlight the central plot device and the allure of the large payout that drives the characters' actions.