NCHS AP English Language

Stream of Consciousness Ch 10

The stream of thought in literature is "technique that records the multifarious thoughts and feelings of a character without regard to logical argument or narrative sequenc." It reflects all the forces that are influencing the character's thought process at the given moment. http://www.bartleby.com/65/st/streamco.html The main storyline is periodically interrupted by Joe's unending stream of thought. Joe goes into the whorehouse consciously and with one last shred of hope that Bobbie will go with him but she takes that hope away from him and abandons him. He is left alone, physically and mentally beaten by the people protecting Bobbie. He lays on the bed watching them leave by the "final feet, the final door." Joe stops trying to amend his view of women permanently and is now completely alone, ending this chapter in his life. All his actions now are controlled by his past experiences, driven by his rejection by women and negative exposure to sex and punishment. His thought process is one long runon and he does not analyze the current situation, but rather reacts subconsciously to whatever his mind deems a threat. This stream of thought narrates the novel now, showing that Joe is no longer making his own decisions, and his life is dictated by his collection of memories.

Alissa Davis

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