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Definition of Stream of Consciousness
Stream of consciousness is a style or technique of writing that tries to capture the natural flow of a character's extended thought process, often by incorporating sensory impressions, incomplete ideas, unusual syntax... read full definition
Stream of consciousness is a style or technique of writing that tries to capture the natural flow of a character's extended thought process, often by incorporating... read full definition
Stream of consciousness is a style or technique of writing that tries to capture the natural flow of a character's... read full definition
Part 2, Chapter 20
Explanation and Analysis—Frenzied Thoughts:
Beloved employs stream-of-consciousness writing throughout the novel to depict the raw emotions and frenzied thought processes of the characters recounting traumatic experiences. The technique is most present in Chapters 20 to 23, which focus on the thoughts of Sethe, Denver, and Beloved. In Chapter 20, Sethe's monologue follows her thoughts as she tries to explain to Beloved why she killed her:
My plan was to take us all to the other side where my own ma'am is. They stopped me from getting us there, but they didn't stop you from getting here. Ha ha. You came right on back like a good girl, like a daughter which is what I wanted to be and would have been if my ma'am had been able to get out of the rice long enough before they hanged her and let me be one.
Related Themes:
Part 2, Chapter 23
Explanation and Analysis—Frenzied Thoughts:
Beloved employs stream-of-consciousness writing throughout the novel to depict the raw emotions and frenzied thought processes of the characters recounting traumatic experiences. The technique is most present in Chapters 20 to 23, which focus on the thoughts of Sethe, Denver, and Beloved. In Chapter 20, Sethe's monologue follows her thoughts as she tries to explain to Beloved why she killed her:
Unlock with LitCharts A+My plan was to take us all to the other side where my own ma'am is. They stopped me from getting us there, but they didn't stop you from getting here. Ha ha. You came right on back like a good girl, like a daughter which is what I wanted to be and would have been if my ma'am had been able to get out of the rice long enough before they hanged her and let me be one.
Related Themes:
