Techniques in Modernist Literature

The following excerpt is from a literary critique focused on the narrative techniques used in modernist literature:

Modernist literature often breaks from traditional narrative forms to explore the subjective experience of time and memory. Writers like Virginia Woolf and James Joyce employ stream-of-consciousness techniques, which allow readers to delve into characters' thoughts as they evolve in real-time, blurring the lines between past and present. This fragmentation reflects the disjointedness of modern life and challenges readers to engage actively with the text. Furthermore, the use of unreliable narrators invites readers to question notions of truth and perspective.

By shifting perspective and employing non-linear storytelling, modernist authors dismantle conventional plot structures, prioritizing character development and emotional resonance over chronological progression. This technique often mirrors the complexity and chaos of human consciousness, revealing deeper themes of individuality and existentialism.