Stream of consciousness is a literary technique that aims to replicate the inner thoughts and experiences of a character as they unfold in real-time. It is characterized by a seemingly random and disjointed series of thoughts, impressions, and sensory experiences that flow through the character's mind. This technique allows the reader to get a glimpse into the character's innermost thoughts and feelings, and to see the world through their eyes.
In Virginia Woolf's novel Mrs Dalloway, the stream of consciousness technique is used to great effect in order to provide insight into the inner lives of the various characters. For example, the novel's protagonist, Clarissa Dalloway, is depicted through her own stream of consciousness as she goes about her daily tasks and interacts with others. We are able to see her thoughts and feelings as she contemplates the past, contemplates the present, and contemplates the future.
One notable example of Clarissa's stream of consciousness can be found early in the novel, as she is getting ready to host a party. We see her thoughts and impressions as she contemplates the various tasks that need to be completed, as well as her own feelings of anxiety and insecurity. She wonders if the party will be a success, and if she will be able to live up to the expectations of her guests. We also see her memories of the past, including her relationship with her husband Richard and her former suitor Peter Walsh, and how these memories influence her present-day thoughts and feelings.
Throughout the novel, the stream of consciousness technique is used to provide insight into the inner lives of other characters as well. For example, we see the thoughts and feelings of Septimus Warren Smith, a shell-shocked World War I veteran suffering from PTSD, as he struggles to cope with the trauma of war and his own mental illness. We see the world through his eyes as he experiences flashbacks and hallucinations, and we are able to gain a deeper understanding of his inner turmoil.
In conclusion, the stream of consciousness technique is a powerful tool for providing insight into the inner lives of characters and for allowing the reader to see the world through their eyes. In Mrs Dalloway, Woolf uses this technique to great effect in order to provide a deeper understanding of the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of her characters.
