What narrative technique is predominantly used in Virginia Woolf's "To the Lighthouse"?

In Virginia Woolf's "To the Lighthouse," the predominant narrative technique employed is stream of consciousness. This technique allows readers to experience the characters' thoughts and feelings directly, often in a non-linear fashion. Woolf's use of stream of consciousness creates a rich, immersive exploration of internal experiences and emotional landscapes, reflecting the complexities of human consciousness.

This approach enables readers to engage deeply with the characters as they navigate their relationships and perceptions of reality. The fluidity of thought and perception captures the way individuals experience time and memory, which is a central theme in the novel. By moving between different characters' thoughts and emotions, Woolf conveys their inner lives and the subtle, intricate connections between them.

The other narrative techniques presented do not describe the primary mode of storytelling in this work. First-person narration is not used predominantly; instead, multiple perspectives are woven together. Third-person omniscient narration implies a narratorial presence that knows all characters' thoughts, but Woolf's focus on interiority aligns more with stream of consciousness. Letter format would suggest a series of written communications, which does not apply to the structure of this novel. Thus, stream of consciousness is the key technique that defines Woolf's innovative narrative style in "To the Lighthouse."