Stream of Consciousness

In literary criticism, the stream of consciousness is also known as interior monologue is a narrative mode or device that depicts the thoughts and feelings which occur and happen in the mind. This technique is extremely common in many western novels. However, Naguib Mahfouz was the first ever Arab writer to implement the stream of consciousness into one of his novels, being the most famous one of them all; "The Thief and the Dogs."

In the very first chapter of the novel, Naguib introduces us to the main character/protagonist of this story being Said, who is in jail. This first chapter is significant in terms of the stream of consciousness since Naguib constantly manages to change and switch around his style of writing. Examples are switching from first person to second person, or even implementing the stream of consciousness. Naguib's writing style specifically in this first chapter allowed him to achieve some character traits, which will continuously be developing as the novel continues.

As we are first introduced to the protagonist Said, Naguib provides us the audience with some insight on his extreme hatred towards Nabawiyyah and Ilish. Nabawiyyah being his wife, and Ilish his friend. There are also some significant quotes which show the extent of hatred from Said towards them. The main one being "I swear I hate you all." The hatred towards his wife is also extremely clear when Said says: "that woman who sprang from filth, from vermin, from treachery, and infidelity." Of course after the reader sees those lines we get a first impression on Said that he is an extremely angry person filled with hatred towards other characters and people in the story. However Naguib provides some contrast to the hatred filled in Naguib towards the other people, and his unpleasant character. Said shows lots of love for his daughter. "As the thought of her crossed his mind. The heat and the dust and the hatred all disappeared, leaving only love to glow across a soul clear as the rain washed sky. The first chapter shows the audience that Naguib has successfully managed to portray the protagonist Said with a deep insight regarding his character and traits. Also we get a clear insight into Said's thoughts, feelings, and emotions thanks to the monologue and quotes used.

Also, we were introduced to Ilish's character in the beginning stages of the novel, however not from Naguib, but rather through Said's inner thoughts and feelings which he showed in the first chapter. Said's thoughts gave a rather negative impression on Ilish's character, however those thoughts can't be reliable since those thoughts might be biased against Ilish. His chaacter is also yet to be introduced which means that the audience are unable to judge the character just yet. Naguib uses indirect characterization for Ilich's character.