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Abstract
Since its publication in 1942, Camus' The Stranger (L'Étranger in French) has captivated readers and scholars alike, sparking a wealth of critical analysis and interpretation. However, the novel's minimalist descriptions of interior spaces have often been overlooked in academic discourses, making it a perennial subject of further scholarly inquiry. This study seeks to decrypt the interiority of this text by examining the absurdist architectural symbolism and dissecting the spatial elements embedded in its narrative. The aim is to unveil new layers of meaning in the protagonist's internal psyche and existential condition. Through close reading and thematic analysis of relevant passages, salient elements will be identified and examined for their evocative significance. Insights from existentialist philosophy, particularly Camus' (1942a) theories on the absurd, inform the interpretation of architectural motifs in the text. The analysis reveals that elements such as Meursault's apartment, the courtroom, and the prison serve as emblematic representations of existential themes of alienation, detachment, and the absurdity of human existence. The minimalist descriptions of these spaces underscore Meursault's emotional detachment and his struggle to find meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. The spatial isolation experienced by the protagonist mirrors the existential loneliness and societal alienation central to Camus' philosophy. The study highlights the relevance of architectural symbolism in conveying complex existential concepts.
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