Stream of consciousness is a narrative technique employed in literature and psychology to depict the continuous flow of thoughts and feelings as they occur in an individual's mind. Derived from the field of psychology, this term was popularized by the pioneering work of William James and further developed by writers such as James Joyce and Virginia Woolf.
In literature, a stream of consciousness narrative attempts to delve into the deep recesses of a character's mind, providing direct access to their unfiltered and unstructured thoughts, memories, and perceptions. Rather than following a linear and coherent structure, the narrative mimics the spontaneous and unruly nature of human consciousness. This style of writing often involves fragments, associations, and digressions, reflecting the unpredictable way thoughts arise and evolve in the mind of a character.
The stream of consciousness technique seeks to portray the essence of human thought processes, illuminating the complexity and richness of an individual's inner life. It provides an intimate and vivid glimpse into a character's psychological makeup, revealing their innermost desires, fears, and conflicts. By immersing the reader in the raw and unmediated flow of consciousness, this technique encourages a more intimate and immersive reading experience, often pushing the boundaries of traditional narrative conventions.
Beyond literature, stream of consciousness also refers to a psychological phenomenon where an individual experiences an unbroken, continuous flow of thoughts and sensations. This term is used to describe the subjective perception of the uninterrupted flow of mental content, often accompanying states of deep concentration, meditation, or during certain altered states of consciousness.
