Here's how this technique addressed the challenge:
* Breaking Traditional Narrative Structure: Stream-of-consciousness narration eschewed the traditional linear, chronological plot structure. Instead, it mimicked the flow of thoughts in the character's mind, presenting a jumbled and fragmented narrative. This reflected the uncertainty and confusion of the modern world, and it challenged readers to engage actively in constructing meaning.
* Emphasizing Individual Experience: By focusing on the subjective experience of the character, modernist writers emphasized the individual perspective and the fragmentation of reality. This challenged the traditional notion of an objective, universal truth, and it encouraged readers to consider the individual's unique point of view.
* Challenging the Reader's Role: Stream-of-consciousness narration demanded more active engagement from the reader. They were no longer passive recipients of information but active participants in constructing meaning from the fragmented narrative. This engaged readers intellectually and emotionally, inviting them to interpret the characters' thoughts and feelings.
Other techniques used by modernist writers to compensate for changing assumptions about their readership included:
* Juxtaposition: Placing contrasting images, ideas, and experiences side by side to highlight contradictions and ambiguities.
* Irony: Using language that conveys a meaning opposite to its literal sense to challenge conventional assumptions and values.
* Symbolism: Using objects, images, and events with multiple layers of meaning to suggest broader ideas and themes.
* Allusion: Referencing historical, literary, or cultural figures and events to create layers of meaning and complexity.
By employing these techniques, modernist writers actively engaged with the changing social and intellectual landscape, challenging readers to reconsider their own perspectives and engage in a more active and demanding reading experience.