I see my mind as a tapestry woven through with memories, dreams and thoughts.

Tuesday 21 June 2011

Tuesday Intro

Taking the lead from 'Bibliophile by the Sea', here is my Tuesday Intro:

'The Artificial Nigger' by Flannery O'Connor
(short story - as I am reading my way through the collection)

'Mr. Head awakened to discover that the room was full of moonlight. He sat up and stared at the floorboards - the colour of silver - and then at the ticking on his pillow, which might have been brocade, and after a second, he saw half of the moon five feet away in his shaving mirror, paused as if it wwere waiting for his permission to enter. It rolled forward and cast a dignifying light on everything. The straight chair against the wall looked stiff and attentive as if it were awaiting an order and Mr. Head's trousers, hanging to the back of it, had an almost noble air, like the garment some great man had just flung onto his servant; but the face on the moon was a grave one. It gazed across the room and out the window where it floated over the horse stall and appeared to contemplate itself with the look of a young man who sees his old age before him.'


Would this first paragraph intrigue you to want to read more?
I enjoyed the relationship aspect of this story and the descriptive prose.

9 comments:

Melissa Sarno said...

Yes, yes, yes. I love the detail. I love the scene I am placed so neatly inside of. I must read this!

Anonymous said...

I agree with Melissa!! Great first paragraph!
Here's my First Chapter/Paragraph

K said...

Yes I'd definitely keep reading. This piece is packed with description and grabs my attention straight away.

aguja said...

I think that she is a phenomenal writer. Thank you for your comments!

steven said...

flannery o'connor has crossed my path twice this week. i know i'm reading more this summer. thanks for this little taste. steven

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

I recently read Wise Blood; Flannery O'Connor, and love the descriptive writing style.

Your intro is terrific (haven't read that one). enjoy

Style, She Wrote said...

I love the description of the "room full of moonlight". Sounds beautiful. xo style, she wrote

aguja said...

Thank you for your comments. There is so much in that intro. I need to read 'Wise Blood'.

L'Adelaide said...

wow, this makes me want to go out and buy the book-perfect choice to hook us in...well, at least ME in. xoxoxo