What narrative technique is used in "The Good Soldier" to tell the story?

The narrative technique used in "The Good Soldier" is often identified as a complex form of first-person perspective combined with unreliable narration rather than strictly adhering to the stream of consciousness method. The novel is narrated by John Dowell, who provides insights into his thoughts and feelings, but his account is fragmented and sometimes contradictory, reflecting his emotional instability and unreliable recollections. This gives the reader a subjective view of the events and characters, deepening the exploration of themes such as betrayal, love, and the nature of truth.

The story's structure, which unfolds through Dowell's personal reflections and retrospective understanding, showcases the internal conflicts and realities that shape his narrative. Thus, while the narrative does have stream-of-consciousness elements, it primarily operates within the first-person perspective, evoking a more personal connection to Dowell's experiences.

The other techniques mentioned—third-person omniscient or epistolary forms—do not accurately capture how the narrative unfolds in "The Good Soldier," as the story does not employ a detached, all-knowing narrator or consist of letters and diary entries, which characterize the epistolary format. Instead, this novel's intimate and unreliable first-person narration is what fundamentally shapes its storytelling approach.