What is a characteristic of internal monologue in modernist writing?

A key characteristic of internal monologue in modernist writing is its stream of consciousness nature. This means the narrative flows like a river of thoughts, feelings, and sensations, often jumping between ideas without logical transitions or clear punctuation. It mimics the chaotic and fragmented way our minds work, capturing the unfiltered inner world of the character.

Here are some more specific examples of how stream of consciousness is reflected in modernist internal monologue:

* Non-linear structure: Thoughts and memories may jump back and forth in time, or shift abruptly from one subject to another, reflecting the fluidity of human consciousness.

* Free association: Ideas are linked by loose connections, often based on personal associations or subconscious impulses.

* Incomplete sentences and fragmented syntax: This reflects the way thoughts can be incomplete or broken up in our minds.

* Sensory imagery and subjective perception: The narrator's internal world is often expressed through vivid sensory details, capturing the subjective way they experience the world.

Modernist authors like James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, and William Faulkner were pioneers in utilizing this technique, using internal monologue to explore complex themes of consciousness, subjectivity, and the human condition.