In essence, Will Self's statement highlights the concept that life is a continuous flow without clear divisions or boundaries, much like how thoughts move through our minds seamlessly from one moment to the next. He suggests that traditional literary techniques such as structured narratives and formal dialogue are artificial constructs meant to represent reality but fail to capture the fluid nature of human experience.
Self delves deeper into the idea that conventional storytelling methods can be seen as an attempt to mimic real life, yet they often fall short because true lived experiences do not adhere to neat storylines or conversations. The stream-of-consciousness narrative technique, though it might seem unnatural when compared to everyday speech and writing, attempts to reflect the unstructured way thoughts and emotions flow in our minds. This method, Self argues, is one of many literary devices used by authors to get closer to portraying authentic human experiences, which are inherently chaotic and unpredictable.
Will Self is a renowned British author known for his provocative and experimental style of writing. He has published numerous novels, short stories, essays, and journalism pieces that often challenge conventional narrative structures and explore the complexities of modern life. His work frequently engages with themes such as mental health, technology's impact on society, and the nature of consciousness, making him a significant voice in contemporary literature.
