Here's how their ideas influenced specific techniques:
Bergson:
* Stream of Consciousness: Bergson's concept of "durée" (duration), which emphasized the subjective, non-linear experience of time, directly influenced the development of stream of consciousness writing. This technique, often found in works by authors like James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, and Marcel Proust, aimed to capture the unfiltered flow of thoughts, sensations, and memories in the mind, mimicking the subjective experience of time.
* Non-linear Narrative: Bergson's notion of time as a continuous flow challenged the traditional linear narrative structure. Modernist writers employed non-linear narrative structures, with flashbacks, dreams, and fragmented timelines to reflect the fluidity and subjectivity of time.
* Subjective Time: Bergson emphasized the subjective experience of time, where moments can feel longer or shorter depending on the intensity of lived experience. Modernist writers explored this concept by altering the pacing of narratives, emphasizing moments of high intensity and blurring the boundaries between past, present, and future.
James:
* Interior Monologue: James's exploration of the "stream of consciousness" emphasized the internal dialogue and the constant flow of thoughts within the mind. Interior monologue, a technique where the narrative is presented through the unfiltered thoughts of a character, became a prominent literary tool.
* Psychological Realism: James's emphasis on the subjective experience influenced the development of psychological realism. This literary technique focused on exploring the internal world of characters, their motivations, emotions, and perceptions, often utilizing stream of consciousness and interior monologue.
* Free Indirect Discourse: This technique, where the narrator's voice blends seamlessly with the character's thoughts, allowed writers to capture the subjective experience of time and consciousness, blurring the boundaries between observer and observed.
Overall Impact:
The theories of Bergson and James significantly impacted Modernist literature, leading to a revolution in narrative techniques and literary style. They challenged traditional notions of time and narrative structure, paving the way for a more subjective, psychological, and fluid approach to storytelling.
Examples of Literary Works Influenced by Bergson and James:
* Ulysses by James Joyce: A prime example of stream of consciousness and non-linear narrative, showcasing the subjective experience of time.
* Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf: Explores the fleeting and subjective nature of time, using stream of consciousness and a fragmented narrative structure.
* In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust: A masterpiece of interior monologue and psychological realism, reflecting the subjective and layered nature of time and memory.
It's worth noting that Bergson and James's theories are not always clearly separated in their influence on literature. They shared a common ground in their focus on the subjective experience of time, and their ideas often intertwined in the development of Modernist literary techniques.