Stream of ConsciousnessThoughts, emotions, and motivations constitute a person's identity. These are the same elements that make up the characters in some of the most famous works of literature. Stream of consciousness shows a character's thoughts, feelings, and ideas through the character's point of view. Stream of consciousness is a writing tool used particularly in the early 20th century, during the rise of modernism. Another description of stream of consciousness is self-talk. This inner monologue gives the reader insight into the thoughts that drive the character into their actions. William James explains the term in Principles of Psychology by stating: “Consciousness therefore does not seem to be divided into pieces. Words like “chain” and “train” do not adequately describe him as he first appears. It's nothing articulate: it flows. A “river” or a “stream” are the metaphors by which it is most naturally described” (233). Consciousness is not fragmented, but a constant flow of thoughts and ideas. Stream of consciousness is a 20th century technique and is greatly exemplified by modernist authors Virginia Woolf and TS Eliot. Stream of consciousness is a key element of 20th century literature, resembling the change occurring during that era. The 20th century saw the rise of modernism, a time when philosophy played a leading role. Josh Rahn points out in his article entitled Modernism: “At the same time, the psychoanalytic theories of Sigmund Freud were now accepted by the general public” (1). He goes on to say: “Generally speaking, the period was marked by sudden and unexpected ruptures with traditional ways of seeing and interacting with the world… Indeed, a central concern of Modernis……in the middle of the paper… ... world, the great novelists of the early 20th century studied the interior space of the human mind” (Rahn, 1). TS Eliot and Virginia Woolf were just two of many early 20th century writers to use stream of consciousness in their works. Works Cited Eliot, Thomas Stearns. Prufrock and other observations. From Poems. New York: A. A. Knopf, 1920; Bartleby.com, 2011. Web. February 18, 2014. www.bartleby.com/198/1.html.James, William. The principles of psychology. 1890. New York: DoverPublications, Inc., 1950Rahn, Josh. "Modernism." Literary periods and movements. Jalic Inc., 2011. Web. February 19, 2014. .Woolf, Virginia. At the Lighthouse. England: Hogarth, 1927. Project Gutenberg Australia. Col Choat, September 2008. Web. February 18. 2014. .