In the context of British literature, what does "stream of consciousness" refer to?

"Stream of consciousness" refers to a narrative technique that presents the thoughts and feelings of a character in a fluid and often unstructured manner, mimicking the natural flow of consciousness. This style aims to provide readers with a deeper understanding of a character’s inner life by capturing the chaotic and spontaneous nature of thoughts, emotions, and perceptions as they occur.

Authors such as James Joyce and Virginia Woolf expertly employed this technique to explore complex psychological states and to blur the boundaries between a character's thoughts and the external world. This approach allows for a more intimate and immersive experience, as readers gain insight into a character's mind in real-time, often with little regard for traditional narrative structure or linear progression.

The other options, while related to literature, do not accurately define "stream of consciousness." They reference different forms or styles of writing that do not encapsulate the essence of this particular narrative technique.