Artificial Quote by Will Self
“Continuous present is all we have, and stream of consciousness - which in a novel is arguably just as artificial as the stilted dialogue that you get in most conventional novels. They're all stratagems to try to get closer to the texture of lived life.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Book of All Hours, 1999
The continuous present is the only reality, and novelists use stream of consciousness to mimic real life, contrasting with stiff dialogue of conventional works.
In simple terms: Only the present exists; authors try to capture life’s texture.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the now and seek authentic expression.
Themes
present
authenticity
literature
style
Mood
introspective
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- creative writing
- literary analysis
- reading contemporary fiction
Key Concepts
stream of consciousness
narrative technique
Questions to Reflect On
- How does stream of consciousness affect reader immersion?
- Can dialogue ever fully capture lived experience?
A Different Perspective
The technique can feel artificial if overused.
