Category: Literature > Consciousness
One of the most unique literary techniques in modern literature is the use of stream of consciousness, prominently illustrated in William Faulkner's "The Sound and the Fury." This narrative method captures the inner thoughts and feelings of characters in a seemingly disjointed and non-linear manner, allowing readers to experience their consciousness in real-time. Faulkner employs this technique through the perspective of Benjy, a cognitively disabled man, whose fragmented thoughts and sensory perceptions weave a complex tapestry of time and emotion. This innovative approach not only challenges traditional narrative structures but also deepens our understanding of character psychology and the fluidity of time, making the novel a cornerstone of modernist literature and influencing writers such as Virginia Woolf and James Joyce.