"What is Stream of Consciousness?": A Literary Guide for English Students and Teachers

[@SWLF]

This video now includes Spanish as well as English subtitles. For a full list of dual-language videos in our series, please see the following site: liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/wlf/oregon-state-guide-english-literary-terms

[@ovishekb6097]

I searched for and found a lot of websites where this particular topic was discussed but everywhere I just found some technical terms which were not even explained, everywhere but here. Thanks a lot. I wish I had a teacher like you.

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much for your kind words, Ovishek! We hope you enjoy the other videos in our series as well!

[@BodgieM]

Thanks a lot for explaining stream of consciousness in an understandable way! Great video!

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much, Hasan! We hope you enjoy the other videos in our series as well!

[@shafaqkhan4173]

You explained this perfectly by giving accurate examples! 👍

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much, Shafaq! We hope you enjoy the other videos in our series as well!

[@warrenbaldwin6366]

This was an interesting video. The brief comments on free association, repetition, and sensory observation were helpful. I am wanting to learn more about getting into a steam of consciousness mode of writing. I write from research and detailed notes, but the few times I have written in SofC the results have been well received by my readers. Interestingly, Paul Simon said he wrote part of Bridge Over Troubled Water in SofC.

[@SWLF]

Hi, Warren. Thanks so much for this comment and for supporting our series! Good luck with your writing work and stay healthy.

[@craftsabode9265]

Thank you so much for this brilliant explanation. My friend and I were struggling to make sense of this and we couldn't even rely on teachers to explain it in an understanding way. You saved us! Sending loads of love your way!

[@SWLF]

Ah, thanks so much, Crafts Abode! We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed the lesson, and we hope you'll check out more of our videos as well!

[@IDoubleJ]

This video explains the stream of consciousness better than I ever could have. Helped give me a better way to express what stream of consciousness is

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much for your kind words, IDoubleJ! We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed the lesson, and we hope you'll check out more of our video series if you have the chance!

[@SWLF]

Please drop us a comment to let us know what you thought of our video! Doing so will help us to build a rich digital learning environment around the topic of narrative form.

[@eleaalyxsonmasibay3138]

She explained it so good that it’s very easy to comprehend. Thank you for this it is very useful❤️ - Elea Masibay

[@SWLF]

Many thanks for your kind words, Elea. We hope you enjoy the other videos in our series as well!

[@Khatoon170]

Stream of consciousness is literally technique but , was originally concept in psychology invented by psychologist William James . It’s style of technique of writing that tries to capture natural flow of character extended thought proces , often incorporating sensory impressions, incomplete ideas , usual syntax, rough grammar. For example in writing experimental novel Ulysses by James Joyce . Best definition of stream of consciousness is narration that follows character thoughts they unfold . Characteristics of stream of consciousness are free association, looping repetition, sensory observation, and even none existent punctuation and syntax. Pioneer or stream consciousness novel is Virginia Woolf. There are too female writers Dorothy Richardson , Katherine Mansfield. Thank you for your wonderful educational literary channel.

[@SWLF]

Great work here, Khatoon! And William James is such a wonderful philosopher as well as psychologist.

[@henrieiane]

OMG! Thank you for this! You just made my assignment much much easier!

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much, Hen! We hope you find the other videos in our series useful as well!

[@esidarasun8151]

The example of single, short phrases of thinking, 'late late late, so bright' is that how people actually think? The 'I'm walking to the studio, when I get there, I'll say hello to the videographer. I hope it goes well' seems more accurate to my experience

[@SWLF]

Great question, Esidara! The short answer is, well, some of the time--particularly when we are in a nervous or excited state (as is the case with many examples of stream-of-consciousness in literature). What does everyone else think? How accurate is this form to your experiences inhabiting your own thoughts?

[@esidarasun8151]

@@SWLF Any tips on generating an actual stream of consciousness, rather than deliberate thoughts?

[@tommygorat6384]

So, Wheres the guitar solo ?

[@SWLF]

Ha! We did consider adding some prog rock in here, but we couldn't top Dream Theater.

[@jmccaf]

My algorithm has brought this tidy treasure. Thanks.

[@SWLF]

Thanks, J Mc! We're delighted to hear that KZbin's algorithm is getting us out into the world, and we hope you enjoy the other videos in the series as well!

[@myvideochannel6404]

Hi do you think that Katherine Mansfield uses interior monlogue to get us into Laura's thoughts in The Garden Party?

[@SWLF]

Interesting question, MVC! Could you provide an example from a moment in the text that seems to dip into Laura's thoughts?

[@myvideochannel6404]

@@SWLF Thank you for replying.Right after she had a conversation with her mother about cancelling the party as a man had died for which her mother refused .Laura then leaves with the black hat.At this time while she looks at herself in the mirror she asks herself whether she was blowing things out proportion("Am I being extravagant?")and she wondered if her mother is right.This brings me to belief that Laura is guillible and has lived such a cacooned life And within this life, her parents seemed to be the barometer of what is right and wrong. And therefore, just like that she set her sides her thoughts about cancelling the party.. Which brings me to another question ..there is a constant mention of hats throughout the story.Can this some sort of a motif?Thank u so much.🙂

[@SWLF]

@@myvideochannel6404 Nice! Given the fact that the word choice here (the use of the word "extravagant" and the anxious nature of the question suggests that you could, perhaps, view this moment as an example of stream of consciousness, though the stye is less pronounced here that in the more "extravagant" examples in this video. Thanks for keeping the conversation going!

[@LukasLukosevicius]

Thank you Oregon State University!

[@SWLF]

You are very welcome, Lukas!

[@kathirthegreat1431]

Thank you very much for this wonderful video! Can you please give me some tips to tackle Virginia Woolf as a non-native reader?

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much for your kind words, Kathir! The most important thing to do when reading Woolf is to read slowly, asking yourself whose perspective you are given at different moments in the story (they often change) and what effect this shifting narrative eye has upon how you understand the story's themes. Our video on "free indirect discourse" may also help with some of her major works, including To The Lighthouse and Mrs. Dalloway. Good luck to you!

[@kathirthegreat1431]

@@SWLF Thank you for such useful suggestions. I will definitely check out that video! ❤

[@urbanlegendsandtrivia2023]

Thanks. You really took a complex topic and explained it clearly in just a few minutes.

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much, JUL&T! We hope you enjoy the other videos in our series as well!

[@salmanmurtaza5305]

just amazing way of explaining it! especially the examples.

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much, Salman! We hope you enjoy the other videos in our series as well!

[@majak1878]

Would Bridget Jones's diary be considered a stream of consciousness or is it different because it isn't necessarily her exact thoughts of that moment?

[@SWLF]

GREAT question, Maja! We would say that it isn't, strictly speaking, stream of consciousness for the reasons you outline. But it could certainly be inspired by / adjacent to what we traditionally think of as stream of consciousness. What does everyone else think?

[@kt55466]

Thank you so much, I would have failed without this video

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much, Karen!

[@moodforaday-rl3ww]

Fantastic video! Really well explained and great examples

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much for your kind words, moodforaday! We hope you enjoy the other videos in our series as well!

[@insearchofahillworthdyingon]

These videos are fantastic. Thank you! Quick question, when writing in third person, what is the difference between stream of consciousness and free indirect discourse?

[@SWLF]

Great question, Chris! We actually have a video on free indirect discourse that will tell you more, but the short answer is that stream of consciousness is an attempt to represent how the human brain thinks while free indirect discourse is a third-person narrative mode. Usually stream of consciousness is presented in first-person perspectives, but sometimes free indirect discourse can model that same thinking. F.I.D., however, is ALWAYS a third-person narration. Glad to hear you are enjoying the series!

[@insearchofahillworthdyingon]

@@SWLF Great, thank you.

[@Brandi.Nicole]

@@SWLF what is it called when the poetry uses both? One stanza is a narrative and the second first person then combining the two. Like a Dual personality ?

[@SWLF]

@@Brandi.Nicole Interesting! Can you give us an example? The only ones we can think of might be some Wallace Stevens poetry.

[@3danshclasses3dsir]

Wow so majestic literary terms you have explained it

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much, 3D Ansh! We hope you enjoy the other videos in our series as well!

[@genesevox7403]

No mention of Kerouac?

[@SWLF]

Ha! There's only so many things we can do in a short video, Matty. Kerouac certainly took advantage of this method of narration in many of his major works.

[@LUCID_ENGLISH]

Thank you, Ma'm....❤..for such a wonderful explanation....stream of consciousness concept in a nutshell...👍👍

[@SWLF]

You're very welcome, @LUCID_ENGLISH ! We hope you'll check out other videos in our series as well.

[@smileymosh]

Was wondering: how would a writer edit their stream of consciousness writing? I write in stream but have been told by some readers that my sentences were bad! Are my sentences of stream bordering on purple prose or is it just because these readers aren't used to stream? Would love a video on how to suss out what is good and bad stream... if that is even a thing!

[@SWLF]

Great question, Michelle! Our next video in the series will partially answer this question, but the big thing to keep in mind is matching the point of view (in your case, first-person stream) to the story. Why does the story NEED to be told in this form? What internal conflicts do you want to explore in the story, and how are these conflicts best exemplified through this form. Stream of consciousness is an incredibly demanding form to read, and the plot should re-pay this effort.

[@faus585]

Thank you! This was very helpful.

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much, Faustine! We hope you enjoy the other videos in our series as well!

[@nathanphillips3104]

That was brilliant. Thanks for the upload

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much, Nathan! We hope you enjoy the other videos in our series as well!

[@somdebpaul3150]

Great video. Love from India 🇮🇳 ♥️

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much for the love, Somdeb! We're delighted to see this video traveling to so many places!

[@arnelajero161]

Learned something new because of this, thank you for this! ❤️ -Arnel Ajero

[@SWLF]

Thanks for your kind words, Arnel!

[@hemalakshmi4250]

Wow, I always hated stream of consciousness novels because it's so difficult to understand 😑 A Portrait of the Artist as a Young man by James Joyce, Mrs. Dalloway and To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf Now i understood the pattern and it looks slightly interesting😳

[@SWLF]

Ha! Thanks, Hema! Great examples!

[@bbpgtalents8122]

woaw your performance is soooo sooo soooo great . really love it

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much, BBPG! We hope you enjoy the other videos in the series as well!

[@austinead2316]

Thank you for explaining what is stream of consciousness. I really now understand what it is. - Austine Adanglao

[@SWLF]

You're so welcome!

[@kylatalisic5139]

Great Video !❤️ - Kyla Talisic

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much for supporting the series, Kyla!

[@sunepripongen3014]

How are small/minor characters used in the technique of Stream of consciousness?

[@SWLF]

Hmm, we're not sure what you mean here, Sunepri. Could you elaborate? And what does everybody else think?

[@sunepripongen3014]

@@SWLF In Mrs Dalloway, how are minor characters used in the technique of stream of consciousness and what is their main purpose?

[@SWLF]

Ah, we see now. It has been quite a long time since we've read Mrs. Dalloway, but from what we remember, at many moments in the novel, the narrator does briefly enter into the mind of minor characters through a technique called "free indirect discourse." You can find out more about that narrative mode here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKiYiZaieZ58orM

[@sunepripongen3014]

@@SWLF thanks...

[@juliapelayo8582]

Thank you for this video!- Julia S. Pelayo

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much, Julia!

[@fitsgeraldalmendral1152]

Thank you for educating us Fitsgerald Almendral

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much for supporting the series, Fitsgerald!

[@angelcabug-os8309]

Great video! - Angel C. Cabug-os

[@Ciaramorgan-f2o]

My instructor brought this up in a conference on my personal narrative essay and said he couldn't grasp anything. I felt insulated a little and stupid. I'm not sure what he wants, and I don't know how to ask him without being rude. English is my least favorite subject, and I only write the way I feel. Maybe I should get a tutor.

[@SWLF]

Well, we certainly hope you keep trying, Ciara! The form isn't always appropriate for a given assignment, but it is used frequently in many important creative texts.

[@tineyyy8031]

I’ve learned a lot from this vid! Thank you! -Christine Mae Mutia

[@SWLF]

Thanks for supporting the series!

[@koukilambino3762]

This video helped me a lot. -Kouki Lambino

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much, Kouki! We hope you enjoy the other videos in our series as well!

[@ruderadolphnunez114]

Thank you so much for this! - Rude Radolph Nuñez

[@riezleanncagoco2042]

Thank you for this! ❤️ - Riezle Cagoco

[@SWLF]

Our pleasure!

[@richardgumatay3466]

this helped me a lot - Richard Gumatay

[@SWLF]

Many thanks for your kind words, Richard. We hope you enjoy the other videos in our series as well!

[@naveengwalia4007]

explained beautifully...i got what i wanted

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much, Naveen! We hope you enjoy the other videos in our series as well!

[@jaychatto4607]

Thank u for this! -Jay Chatto

[@SWLF]

Our pleasure, Jay!

[@venereedelosreyes2905]

This help me a lot Veneree Delos Reyes

[@lovelyjanebatoy9155]

Thank you so much for this! -Lovely Jane Batoy

[@SWLF]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@malikadnan1872]

Thank you ma'am for this informative video🥰

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much, Malik! We hope you enjoy the other videos in the series as well!

[@Bizarro69]

Late-late-late! So bright! There's an inherent poetry to Stream of Consciousness expression.

[@SWLF]

There really is! Thanks so much for the comment, Wiley!

[@bochra7109]

Thank you so much , that was really helpful

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much, Bouchra! We hope you enjoy the other videos in our series as well!

[@22.limpasmeryljoy12]

Thank you for this!- Meryl Joy Limpas

[@SWLF]

Thanks for listening!

[@nicelapis5968]

Thank you so much ❤️ -Nice Lapis

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Thanks so much for supporting the series, Nice! We're so happy that your group is enjoying our videos!

[@angelcabug-os8309]

Thank for this! - Angel C. Cabug-os

[@danicajoyveraque4450]

Thank you - Danica Veraque

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much, Danica! We hope you enjoy the other videos in our series as well!

[@lorenzgomez5181]

Thanks for this 🥺 -Lourenz P GOMEZ

[@SWLF]

Thanks for supporting the series!

[@LeaningonJesuswithNanceBiswas]

Crystal clear explanation. So blessed to have found this channel! Hoping to be better at teaching English Literature through this channel. 🤍🤍🤍🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@LeaningonJesuswithNanceBiswas]

Thank you!

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much for your kind words, @LeaningonJesuswithNanceBiswas ! We're delighted to hear that you are finding our channel useful!

[@angelopusta205]

Thank you very much for your videos - Angelo Rey Pusta

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[@farshaidaaydarus2419]

Thank you for this! - Farshaida J. Aydarus

[@Ben-zl9lv]

Thank you! -Melenz Ben D. Capagngan

[@charlenerosaldo4662]

Thanks for this, much appreciated! - Charlene Rosaldo

[@samanthadagoc4822]

It really helps us -Samantha Dagoc

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much, Samantha! We're so happy to hear our videos have been useful to you.

[@jesellesabido4024]

Thank you for this video!- Jeselle Sabido

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much, Jeselle!

[@emmadulguime4633]

Thanks for this- Emma Rose S. Dulguime ❤️

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much, Emma Rose!

[@rheamaicabatindaan6387]

Thank you- Rhea Maica A. Batindaan

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much for supporting the series!

[@banquetoftheleviathan1404]

a psychiatrist told me i speak in a stream of consciousnesses, but what does that even mean if this is a literary term?

[@SWLF]

Ha! Technically, "stream of consciousness" as an idea originated from the great American psychologist and philosopher William James (brother to the author Henry James). Literary authors were so taken with his idea (and the work of Sigmund Freud that followed it) that they began to use the term in their literary works as a new kind of realism--one that is embodied in the "stream-of-consciousness" form outlined here.

[@juliecatayas3901]

This video helps a lot, thank you! -Julie Rocel Catayas

[@SWLF]

Thanks, Julie. We hope you enjoy the other videos in our series as well!

[@marybernadethrosalinda3744]

Thank you so much for this - Mary bernadeth Rosalinda

[@SWLF]

We hope you enjoy the other videos in our series as well!

[@adrianpelenio4575]

Thank you for uploading this, this helps me understand more about the topic :)) -Adrian Pelenio

[@SWLF]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rishellemaesalaveria6243]

Thank you for this!🤗 - Rishelle Mae Salaveria

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much, Rishelle! We hope you enjoy the other videos in our series as well!

[@marneriegonzales4813]

thank you so much for this!- marnerie Gonzales

[@SWLF]

You are so welcome!

[@alikhan.3265]

Thank you so much.. I was able to understanding stream of consciousness, in spite of the fact that I face difficulty in understanding the US accent.. 😆

[@SWLF]

Ha! Thanks so much for your kind words, Ali! All of our videos include subtitles if you need some help with our accents.

[@alikhan.3265]

Thank you so much. Subscribed to your channel.. will receive the notifications now..

[@SWLF]

@@alikhan.3265 Thanks so much for supporting the series, Ali!

[@djajarahcorpuz1188]

I really learned a lot from this video, thank you! -Djajarah Zairelahar Corpuz

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Thanks so much for supporting the series, Djajarah!

[@margiecarbonel1797]

Thank you so much for this! -Margie Carbonel

[@SWLF]

Glad it was helpful!

[@angelmargaretvinalon3737]

I’veLearned a lot form this video - Angel Margaret Viñalon

[@SWLF]

Thanks for your support, Angel!

[@crissaalcuirez5624]

💓 Crissa O. Alcuirez

[@jamaicahgailurna3549]

This video helped me a lot -Jamaicah Gail Urna

[@sharijadaaydarus2113]

This is helpful- Sharijada Aydarus

[@SWLF]

Thanks for supporting the series!

[@joshualumagalan8783]

👏👏Rhyan Joshua Lumagalan

[@kyraarellano1654]

Thank u for this!-KYRA ARELLANO

[@justinekatevaron603]

Thank you for this video! -Justine Kate Varon

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much for your kind words, Justine!

[@janineparis1478]

Thank you for this! Janine Paris

[@SWLF]

Thanks for your support, Janine!

[@AltafHussain-uf9zl]

Well discussed

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much, Education for All! We hope you enjoy the other videos in our series as well!

[@josephconradbandala2010]

Thank you for this vid. -Joseph Conrad Bandala

[@SWLF]

Thanks very much, Joseph!

[@almirairishludoc4792]

Thank you for this - Almira Irish Ludoc

[@SWLF]

Our pleasure!

[@DGmnrl]

Thanks ! - Donna Grace Monreal

[@SWLF]

Thanks for supporting the series, Donna!

[@rjayvalerio825]

Thanks a lot! -Rjay Valerio

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much for supporting the series, Rjay!

[@zlee001]

Did i just Now entered a strange universe with this as a book genre? Its too weird to be real unless im in a weird universe somehow.

[@SWLF]

Ha! It is 2020. We are all in a weird universe.

[@mialykamolero5946]

I've learned a lot from this video- Mia Lyka Molero

[@SWLF]

Thanks so much, Mia!

[@costanciandria7251]

Thank you so muchh :)) -Mikhaela Reopa

[@neilanthonylonzaga3700]

This help me a lot thank you-neil Anthony lonzaga.

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[@jannahcristuazon7750]

Thank u for this! - Jannah Cris Tuazon

[@maryyvonebarreza8011]

i learned so much thankyou! - Mary Yvone Barreza

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Thanks so much for supporting the series, Mary!

[@Jay_Ribz]

I got here from listening to rap music(Das EFX) smoking a joint, listening to z-ro 'Look what you did to me' im content with my night so far p.s y'all check out the songs there really do have to do with this video lol promise hits blunt poetic justice

[@anroleequibuyen8011]

Thank you for this, it helped me alot. -Anrolee Quibuyen

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Glad it helped!

[@delmiasaraudin2102]

Thankyou this help me a lot - Delmia M. Saraudin

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We're so happy to hear you found this video useful!

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Thank youu - Keyhiel Erica Santaromana

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Thank you so much for this❤️ - Tamara Allaine M. Pareñas

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Thank you for this video!! -Patricia Ramiel Donquilab

[@SWLF]

Thanks, Patricia! Are you all watching this for some kind of class?