For Stream of Consciousness mainly "interior monologue" and "free indirect style". These 2 are used in the 2 different books - "The Thief and the Dogs" and "Broken April" respectively. In the book "The Thief and the Dogs" Naguib Mahfouz

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Stream of consciousness in “The Thief and the Dogs” and “Broken April”

Stream of consciousness is the literary technique used by the writer to show the thoughts and feelings of a character. This technique shows us the inner thoughts that are going on in the characters mind and show us the characters point of view on a certain subject or topic of relevance. Stream of consciousness writing is strongly associated with the modernist movement.

There are different methods for Stream of Consciousness mainly  “interior monologue” and “free indirect style”. These 2 are used in the 2 different books - “The Thief and the Dogs” and “Broken April” respectively.

In the book “The Thief and the Dogs” Naguib Mahfouz, the author uses Stream of Consciousness to a great effect. He uses this technique to tell us what is going in the mind of Said who is the protagonist. The story is about Said and his life; his thoughts and beliefs. The story is written from the point of view of Said and not the society. This could only be done with the help of the stream of consciousness. Using Interior Monologue, Mahfouz brings out the thoughts and aspirations of Said. Through this we come to know of Said’s past. It helps us to understand why and how he has changed to the Said he is today. The story continues with us knowing the thoughts of Said at every step. It makes clearer the relationship between his daughter, Sana. Why and under which circumstances his x-wife Nabawiyya left Said for Ilish are also well portrayed. Whenever the Sheikh speaks the thoughts of Said too are put forth with the help of Interior Monologue. For example, when Said meets the Sheikh for the first time after getting out of jail, the Sheikh does not directly welcome him. Said feels that he can’t understand the Sheikh and says in his thoughts,” My father could understand you. But me you turned away from, treating me as if you were turning me out of your house.” This shows us what Said feels for the Sheikh when he first enters the house of the Sheikh and hence it is possible to make a contrast later in the book and see the growth of Said.

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Mahfouz uses stream of consciousness to give a more realistic picture of Said and make the reader feel that he is for real. It puts you into Said’s shoes and makes u think like him. All the dreams and aspirations of Said make the reader feel like they are his. It is used very well and helps to make a strong connection between the reader and Said. It even helps in the plot of the story. Stream of consciousness is used throughout the book only for Said and no one else. Said is actually an anti-hero but owing to stream ...

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