How did George Meredith use interior monologue in his novels?
George Meredith was a pioneering figure in the development of the psychological novel, and his work served as a crucial bridge between 18th-century literary traditions and the innovations of the 19th and 20th centuries.1
While Meredith’s highly personal writing style was unique and difficult to imitate, his extensive use of interior monologue was a significant technical advancement. By delving deeply into the internal thoughts and subjective experiences of his characters, Meredith anticipated the stream-of-consciousness techniques later popularized by authors such as James Joyce and Virginia Woolf.1
His approach to characterization, combined with his wit and aphoristic language, allowed him to explore the complexities of the human mind in ways that were far ahead of his time.12