What significant literary technique is commonly found in Virginia Woolf's writing?

Prepare for the ETS Major Field Test in British Literature. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Boost your confidence for exam day!

Virginia Woolf is known for her pioneering use of stream of consciousness, a literary technique that aims to capture the flow of thoughts and feelings as they occur in a character's mind. This method allows readers to experience the inner workings of characters in a more intimate and direct way, blurring the lines between narrative and thought. In works like "Mrs. Dalloway" and "To the Lighthouse," Woolf employs this technique to provide insight into her characters' perceptions, memories, and sensations, creating a rich tapestry of human experience.

The stream of consciousness technique distinguishes Woolf's style from that of other literary movements. While symbolism and realism can be found in her work, they do not define her writing in the same way that stream of consciousness does. Similarly, allegory may appear in literature more broadly, but Woolf's focus on the subjective experience through the consciousness of her characters elevates this literary method as a key element of her distinctive narrative approach.

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