Christmas carol Quote by Christopher Beha
““Fans of the Peanuts comic strip may also remember Snoopy beginning his novel again and again, always starting with the line 'It was a dark and stormy night' ... In fact, since 1982, San Jose State University has run a writing contest inspired by 'It was a dark and stormy night' ... Charles Dickens opens stave one of A Christmas Carol with 'Once upon a time' ... Similarly, James Joyce's A Portrait of the Artist As a Young Man begins: 'Once upon a time' ... and Madeleine L'Engle begins A Wrinkle in Time with the very words 'It was a dark and stormy night.' (From Intro by Francine Prose)””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Introduction by Francine Prose, 2023
The quote highlights how many writers borrow iconic opening lines to evoke atmosphere, tradition, or humor, showing the power of familiar phrases in storytelling.
In simple terms: Writers reuse famous openings to set tone and connect with readers.
Key Takeaway
Use recognizable openings to engage audience.
Themes
literature
intertextuality
humor
tradition
Mood
playful
reflective
Type
analytical
educational
When to use this quote
- creative writing workshops
- classroom lessons
- author talks
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
narrative framing
cultural reference
genre conventions
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a familiar opening affect your expectations?
- When is it effective to subvert a classic line?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on clichés can make work feel unoriginal.
