The first and last lines of a piece of writing are arguably the most important. They serve as the bookends that hold the entire story or essay together, setting the tone and leaving a lasting impression on the reader. In English literature, there have been countless iconic opening and closing lines that have stood the test of time. Here are the top ten beginning and ending lines in English literature:

1. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” – Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
This iconic opening line sets the tone for the entire novel, showcasing the stark contrast between the rich and poor in revolutionary France. The closing line, “It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known,” perfectly encapsulates the sacrifice made by Sydney Carton.

2. “Call me Ishmael.” – Herman Melville, Moby Dick
This simple yet memorable opening line draws the reader in and sets the stage for the epic tale of Captain Ahab and the elusive white whale. The closing line, “Now small fowls flew screaming over the yet yawning gulf; a sullen white surf beat against its steep sides; then all collapsed, and the great shroud of the sea rolled on as it rolled five thousand years ago,” leaves a haunting and powerful final image.

3. “In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
Fitzgerald’s iconic opening line introduces the narrator, Nick Carraway, and sets the stage for the story of love, ambition, and disillusionment in the Roaring Twenties. The closing line, “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past,” is a poignant and haunting reminder of the cyclical nature of life.

4. “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” – Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Austen’s classic opening line is a witty and satirical observation on society’s expectations of marriage in the 19th century. The closing line, “With the Gardiners, they were always on the most intimate terms. Darcy, as well as Elizabeth, really loved them; and they were both ever sensible of the warmest gratitude towards the persons who, by bringing her into Derbyshire, had been the means of uniting them,” leaves readers with a sense of closure and satisfaction.

5. “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” – Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina
Tolstoy’s famous opening line sets the tone for the epic Russian novel, exploring the complexities of love, family, and society. The closing line, “But the strictest equality existed between them. Vronsky spoke courteously to them, but with one another they often spoke in Russian, so that Kitty would not understand,” leaves readers with a sense of unresolved tension and ambiguity.

6. “It was a pleasure to burn.” – Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451
Bradbury’s dystopian opening line sets the stage for a world where books are banned and knowledge is suppressed. The closing line, “As he wheeled about the floor, throwing all the books into the air, he snuffed out the light and the room was dark,” leaves readers with a chilling and haunting final image.

7. “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” – J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Rowling’s iconic opening line sets the stage for the moral themes of choice and consequence that run throughout the Harry Potter series. The closing line, “But on this particular evening, none of them seemed to be rescuing Sirius Black,” leaves readers with a sense of anticipation and mystery.

8. “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” – George Orwell, 1984
Orwell’s chilling opening line sets the tone for the dystopian world of Big Brother and thought control. The closing line, “He loved Big Brother,” leaves readers with a sense of resignation and despair.

9. “There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it.” – C.S. Lewis, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Lewis’s whimsical opening line introduces the bratty and unlikeable character of Eustace, setting the stage for his transformation throughout the novel. The closing line, “But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page,” leaves readers with a sense of wonder and possibility.

10. “It was a fine cry — loud and long — but it had no bottom and it had no top, just circles and circles of sorrow.” – Toni Morrison, Sula
Morrison’s haunting opening line sets the tone for the exploration of friendship, love, and betrayal in the American South. The closing line, “I’m telling you to be calm,” leaves readers with a sense of closure and reflection.

In conclusion, the beginning and ending lines of a piece of writing are crucial in setting the tone, capturing the reader’s attention, and leaving a lasting impression. The top ten beginning and ending lines in English literature showcase the power of language to evoke emotion, spark curiosity, and provoke thought. Whether humorous, poignant, or chilling, these lines have stood the test of time and continue to resonate with readers around the world.