Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas Beginning Quote
Introduction
"We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the drugs began to take hold." This is the famous opening line from the novel "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" written by Hunter S. Thompson. The novel is a semi-autobiographical account of a drug-fueled road trip taken by Thompson and his attorney, Oscar Zeta Acosta, to Las Vegas in the early 1970s. The book has become a cult classic and the opening line is one of the most memorable in modern literature.
The Man Behind the Quote
Hunter S. Thompson was an American journalist and author who is best known for his style of "Gonzo" journalism. This style of journalism involves the reporter becoming a part of the story and reporting on events from a first-person perspective. Thompson's writing was often characterized by his use of drugs, his love of motorcycles, and his contempt for authority.
The Significance of the Quote
The opening line of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" sets the tone for the entire novel. It immediately plunges the reader into the drug-fueled world of Thompson and his attorney. The line is significant because it shows the reader that this is not going to be a typical road trip story. The drugs are going to play a major role in the story and they are going to affect the characters in unpredictable ways. The line also establishes the setting of the story, which is the desert outside of Barstow, California.
The Inspiration Behind the Quote
The opening line of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is based on an actual event that occurred to Thompson and Acosta on their way to Las Vegas. Thompson had taken a large amount of drugs and was driving through the desert when he started to hallucinate. He believed that he was being pursued by a giant reptile and he pulled over to the side of the road. Acosta took over the driving and they continued on to Las Vegas.
The Legacy of the Quote
The opening line of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" has become one of the most iconic in modern literature. It has been referenced in numerous movies, TV shows, and other forms of popular culture. The book itself has been adapted into a movie and a stage play. The line has also become associated with the drug culture of the 1960s and 1970s, which Thompson was a part of.
Conclusion
The opening line of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is a memorable and powerful introduction to one of the most influential books of the 20th century. It immediately sets the tone for the story and lets the reader know that they are in for a wild and unpredictable ride. The line has become a cultural touchstone and is a testament to the enduring legacy of Hunter S. Thompson and his unique style of journalism.