Stream of Consciousness
Stream of consciousness is a literary technique that captures the continuous flow of a character's thoughts and feelings in a way that resembles natural thinking. It often includes a mix of memories, sensations, and inner dialogues without conventional structure. This style allows readers to experience the character’s mind in real-time, providing deep insight into their emotions and motivations. Writers like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf famously used this technique to explore complex human experiences, reflecting how thoughts can shift rapidly and associate freely, much like in everyday life.
Additional Insights
-
Stream of Consciousness is a literary technique that attempts to capture the flow of thoughts and feelings of a character as they occur in real time. Rather than following a structured narrative, it presents a continuous flow of ideas, impressions, and emotions, reflecting how the mind naturally thinks. This style often includes fragmented sentences, unconventional punctuation, and shifts in focus, allowing readers to experience the inner workings of a character’s mind. Notable authors who have used this technique include James Joyce and Virginia Woolf, who sought to convey deeper psychological realities and the complexity of human consciousness.