Stream of Consciousness · English Literature

Why is 'The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock' often considered a precursor to stream of consciousness fiction?

  1. It is a long narrative poem with a clear and linear plot structure
  2. It follows the erratic, associative movements of one wandering mind
  3. It was written by William James as an example of his psychological theory
  4. It uses rhymed couplets to trace a character's emotional history in full sequence
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Correct answer: It follows the erratic, associative movements of one wandering mind

The poem functions as a dramatic interior monologue. Prufrock's thoughts jump from tea and cake to the works of Michelangelo to 'the floors of silent seas' without traditional logical transitions.

Difficulty: Medium Question 14 of 20

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