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| James Joyce as A Exponent of the Stream of Consciousness Techniques | |||||||
| Paper Id :
17645 Submission Date :
10/05/2023 Acceptance Date :
21/05/2023 Publication Date :
25/05/2023
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| Abstract | The Flowing Current of Mind: James Joyce challenges the notion that the "stream of consciousness" technique, often associated with "high" modernism, was exclusive to literary elites. This study explores how this technique was actually prevalent and utilized in popular culture during the interwar period. Rather than examining how writers like Joyce, Woolf, and Faulkner opposed consumerism, this project posits that their works were mutually influenced by and influential upon advertising and widely-read fiction. The Ubiquity of "Stream of Consciousness" This endeavor solidifies the notion that the technique of "stream of consciousness" was not confined to intellectual circles but rather flourished as a widely embraced form of expression within the interwar public. Its appeal was rooted in its ability to engender empathy and connection by encompassing diverse subjective perspectives, akin to the concept of "suture" as explored by film critics. Furthermore, by vividly portraying the fragility of the fragmented self, caught between the "preverbal" or "subconscious" and conscious realms, it played a pivotal role in shaping the psychological landscape of the interwar era. | ||||||
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| Keywords | Stream of Consciousness, Technique, Interwar Period, Subconscious, Ulysses, Finnegans Wake. | ||||||
| Introduction |
Stream of consciousness, or interior monologue, embodies the continuous flow of thoughts and awareness in one's waking mind. It strives to depict a character's thought process either through free-flowing internal dialogues or their connection to actions. This narrative technique authentically captures the character's mental journey, blending sensory perception, consciousness, semi-conscious thoughts, memories, emotions, and random associations. Instead of relying on dialogue or description, it presents the character's thoughts as a means of storytelling. These thoughts, however, lack coherence and transition abruptly from one to another. In the wake of the world wars, literature underwent a significant transformation, reflecting the profound impact of these global conflicts on human perception. Post-traumatic stress disorder emerged after World War I, leaving soldiers disillusioned by their experiences. Stream of consciousness emerged as the most fitting literary technique to capture the essence of these individuals' journeys.
In 1918, May Sinclair introduced the term "stream of consciousness" in a literary context while discussing Dorothy Richardson's novel. The phrase itself was initially used by William James in his work "Principles of Psychology" (1890) to describe the uninterrupted flow of perceptions, thoughts, and emotions in the conscious mind. Over time, it has been adopted to characterize a narrative technique in modern fiction. Throughout literary history, novelists ranging from Samuel Richardson to Henry James, brother of William James, and many contemporary authors have incorporated extended passages of introspection, delving into the intricate workings of a character's consciousness. "Stream of consciousness" specifically refers to a mode of narration that aims to faithfully depict a character's mental processes without the intervention of a narrator. It encompasses the intermingling of sensory perceptions, conscious and semi-conscious thoughts, memories, expectations, emotions, and spontaneous connections. This narrative style, characterized by the abrupt emergence of thoughts and minimal punctuation, has emerged as a significant phenomenon in modern literature. It is commonly associated with 20th-century novelists and short story writers. |
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| Aim of study | The main objectives of the study on James Joyce's stream of consciousness technique are: 1. Analyze the artistic merits and narrative techniques employed by Joyce in his stream of consciousness writing style. This involves examining the structure, language, and literary devices used by Joyce to create a unique and immersive reading experience. 2. Explore the thematic implications of Joyce's stream of consciousness technique. Investigate how this narrative approach allows for a deeper exploration of themes such as identity, perception, memory, and the complexities of human thought and emotion. 3. Examine the influence of Joyce's stream of consciousness on the development of modernist literature. Investigate how Joyce's innovative technique paved the way for other writers to experiment with narrative form and challenge traditional storytelling conventions. 4. Investigate the social and cultural context in which Joyce's stream of consciousness works were written. Analyze how Joyce's use of this technique reflects and responds to the social, political, and intellectual climate of the time, particularly in early 20th-century Ireland. 5. Assess the reception and critical response to Joyce's stream of consciousness works. Examine how readers, scholars, and critics have interpreted and appreciated this narrative technique, and explore the ongoing relevance and significance of Joyce's contribution to the literary canon. 6. Provide a comprehensive understanding of Joyce's stream of consciousness technique through a close reading and analysis of his major works, such as "Ulysses" and "Finnegans Wake." Overall, the study aims to deepen our understanding of Joyce's stream of consciousness technique, its artistic achievements, thematic implications, and its impact on the literary landscape. | ||||||
| Review of Literature | James
Joyce's use of the stream of consciousness technique in his literary works has
been a subject of extensive analysis and appreciation within the realm of
literature. Scholars and critics have examined the profound impact of Joyce's
innovative narrative approach, exploring its artistic merits, thematic
implications, and contributions to the development of modernist literature. One
of the key aspects that critics highlight is Joyce's ability to capture the
innermost thoughts, emotions, and sensory experiences of his characters through
the stream of consciousness. By eschewing traditional linear storytelling,
Joyce immerses readers in a multi-layered narrative where the boundaries
between consciousness, memory, and perception blur. This technique not only
provides a profound psychological insight into the characters but also
challenges the conventional structure of the novel itself. Furthermore,
Joyce's stream of consciousness writing style showcases his intricate attention
to detail and linguistic virtuosity. The fragmented and fragmented nature of
the narrative mirrors the complexity and ambiguity of human thought processes,
offering a more realistic and nuanced portrayal of the human experience. Joyce's
stream of consciousness technique also serves as a vehicle for exploring
various themes and social issues. Through the meandering thoughts and
associations of his characters, Joyce delves into topics such as identity,
religion, politics, and sexuality, often employing rich symbolism and allusions
to create a multilayered narrative. Overall,
Joyce's use of the stream of consciousness technique is hailed as a
groundbreaking contribution to the literary world. His ability to push the
boundaries of narrative form, capture the essence of human consciousness, and
delve into profound themes continues to inspire and captivate readers and
scholars alike.
These
are some names and work of the authors related to James Joyce.Samuel Beckett:
Beckett was a close friend and contemporary of James Joyce. He is renowned for
his play "Waiting for Godot" and his novel "Molloy," among
many other works. T.S. Eliot: Eliot, an influential modernist poet and critic,
admired Joyce's writing and corresponded with him. His notable works include
"The Waste Land" and "Four Quartets." Virginia Woolf:
Woolf, a prominent modernist writer, was familiar with Joyce's works and they
influenced her own writing style. Her notable works include "Mrs
Dalloway" and "To the Lighthouse." Anthony Burgess: Burgess, a
British novelist and critic, wrote a book titled "Re Joyce" in 1965.
It serves as a critical study of Joyce's novel "Ulysses." Richard
Ellmann: Ellmann is a renowned Joyce scholar and biographer. His book
"James Joyce" is considered one of the definitive biographies of the
author. |
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| Conclusion | James Joyce's stream of consciousness technique revolutionized literature, offering unparalleled access to characters' raw thoughts and emotions. It captures the fragmented and associative nature of human thought, revealing the depths of characters' minds. Joyce's approach explores complex themes, challenges traditional narrative conventions, and inspires other writers. His technique delves into identity, memory, and the search for meaning, impacting the works of Virginia Woolf and William Faulkner. Joyce's legacy as a pioneer of modernist literature endures, inviting readers on a journey of self-discovery and introspection. The stream of consciousness technique provides psychological depth and an intimate connection between readers and characters, depicting the complexities of human consciousness and expanding storytelling possibilities. Its lasting impact enriches literature and our understanding of the human condition. | ||||||
| References | PRIMARY LITERATURE
1. Abbott, Reginald. “What Miss Kilman's Petticoat Means: Virginia Woolf, Shopping, and Spectacle.” Modern Fiction Studies 38.1 (1992): 193-216.
2. THE MAINSTREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS: JAMES JOYCE, VIRGINIA WOOLF, WILLIAM FAULKNER AND MASS MODERNISM BY J. Gregory Brister Ph.D., University of Kansas, 2010
SECONDARY LITERATURE
1. Headlam, Cecil. “Dot and Dash.” English Review 41 (1925): 371-79.
2. Heap, Jane (“jh”). “Art and the Law.” The Little Review 7.3 (1920): 5-7.
3. Heath, Stephen. “Notes on Suture.” Screen 18.3 (1977-78): 48-76.
4. Hughes, Richard. “A Day in London.” Review. Virginia Woolf: The Critical
5. Heritage. Robin Majumdar and Allen McLaurin, eds. London:Routledge, 1975. 158-160.
6. Humble, Nicola. The Feminine Middlebrow Novel, 1920s to 1950s: Class, Domesticity, and Bohemianism. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2001. 232 |
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