Stream of Consciousness

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Stream of Consciousness

Have you heard of this style of writing? Here’s a description I found:

“The term was first used by the psychologist William James in ‘The Principles of Psychology’ (1890). As the psychological novel developed in the 20th century, some writers attempted to capture the total flow of their characters’ consciousness, rather than limit themselves to rational thoughts.”[1]

Some Irish friends challenged me to read nine hundred pages of the book, ‘Ulysses’ by James Joyce. I gave up after struggling through two hundred pages! It was difficult for me to understand the language Joyce used.

A couple of years later, I discovered why I could not understand. Joyce was writing in stream-of-consciousness styling. A week ago, as a challenge to our writer’s group, I suggested we all write a short piece of prose in a stream-of-consciousness style.

What happens when I set about writing? I decide to start my writing day by composing a quote:

‘Mourn not; all of life is a season; rejoice, for the season you enjoy today will change with each breath you take. Look not behind you, for that space has left. Look not ahead, for that space is a mystery, but look at this moment, for there it is that your joy and peace will be found.’

I wrote this quote earlier; I can’t believe I did it – I wrote that, surely not? What was I thinking to write that? There it is again, that spider, so irritating.

 Why can’t she build her web somewhere else instead of my window? The annoying thing is pulling my attention away from sorting out my quote. It goes up the window pane, slips down, and tries again. Wait, a seccy; I remember a story about a king in Scotland; what was his name? Bruce or something? This bothersome spider probably knows the story – try seven times, and you won’t fail. I’m not too fond of spiders, fearsome-looking things; hope I’m not Arachnophobic – nah, can’t be. I wonder if this Bruce chap liked them; well, at least he must been grateful for the message he got from the spider. Talking about messages… I get one on my mobile while writing just now: ‘I know you think I’m crazy, but I am a squirrel in disguise. Do you have any nuts?’ Huh? What a ridiculous message, or maybe it’s a secret code -where did that person get my number?

Its hot in here I think I’ll pop down to the sea and take a walk up to the promenade, perhaps that will wake me up. I’m so bored and tired of trying to sort my quote out. Whoa, hang on, the fone says it’s minus four degrees out there; only a crazy person would walk along the sea front – that’s freezing! A cup of coffee would suit me better. It will warm me up and keep me busy, too. Let me see… yes, I’ll try Lizzie’s Barista, I love her Latte’s, that should do it. Hey, what about my quote? I mean, hadn’t I better sort that out first? We can’t physically look back over time, at least not at the moment anyway. What was I thinking? I’m not having joy and peace now, am I? – there’s that spider again; that guy Bruce must have had some patience. Wow! She has completed her seventh attempt! I need the bathroom; I’d better hurry to Lizzie’s before it’s too late.

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[1] when did writers start using stream of consciousness – Search (bing.com)