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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.

Publication Date

1-29-2025

References

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Submitted Date

2024-03-25

Accepted Date

2025-01-07

First Page

125

Last Page

148

Authors' Bio

Peter Akongfeh Agwu
agwupeteraakonfe@unical.edu.ng
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1406-3753

Peter Akongfeh Agwu, PhD is a lecturer in the Department of Modern Languages and Translation Studies at the University of Calabar for pre-degree and degree programs. His academic interests span across corrective grammar in French, French literature, creative writing in French, and security and strategic studies. He is a member of various professional associations, including the University French Teachers' Association of Nigeria (UFTAN), Digital Humanities Association of Nigeria (DHAN), Faculty of Arts/Humanities Association of Nigerian Universities (FAHSANU), Philosophers Association of Nigeria (PAN), and Literary Society of Nigeria (LSN).

Angela A. Ajimase
angelaajimase@unical.edu.ng
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0508-507

Angela A. Ajimase holds a PhD in French Caribbean literature since 2012. She has been teaching French for over twenty years at the university level. She has participated in several training sessions related to teaching French for specific purposes in France, Cape Coast, Ghana, and at the French Village in Nigeria, Badagry, among others. She served as Deputy Director of Research at the University of Calabar (2016–2020) and Department Head (2021–2023). Dr Ajimase is a recipient of some meritorious awards from reputable institutions, such as the Award of Honor from the Postgraduate Students' Government, University of Uyo, Languages Student's Association (LANSA), University of Calabar, and Award of Recognition from the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Nigeria French Language Project, for her research output and contributions for the advancement of knowledge within Nigeria and abroad.

Edward Ugbada Adie
eddytorial@yahoo.com
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9416-685X

Dr. Edward Ugbada Adie is a senior lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Media Studies at the University of Calabar, Nigeria. With over eighteen years of teaching and research experience, he specialises in development and design communication, theatre for development, community theatre, and participatory communication. Dr. Adie has published more than fifty articles in reputable international journals, including Scope Journal (New Zealand), Journal of Integrative Humanism (University of Cape-Coast Ghana), and Humanitatis Theoreticus Journal (University of Yaounde ESN I, Cameroun). Additionally, Dr. Adie serves as the Chief Editor and Editor for journals, such as Journal of Theatre and Media Studies, University of Calabar, Calabar Journal of Liberal Studies (CAJOLIS), Ndunode, Journal of Arts, and Fahsanu Journal of Arts, further establishing his academic influence and commitment to scholarly excellence.

John Ogidi Acha
achajohnogidi@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/000-0003-1514-1861

John Ogidi Acha, Esq., is an educator at the University of Calabar, Nigeria, in the Department of Modern Languages and Translation Studies. With a strong passion for teaching, he has accumulated nearly a decade of experience as a respected academic figure. In the field of research, his expertise lies in the field of French and African literature. Barr. Acha is also a licensed lawyer and holds membership in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), reflecting his multifaceted commitment to both academia and the legal profession. He is currently a PhD student at the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Author(s) retain the copyright of articles published in this journal, with first publication rights granted to Interiority.

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