The Locked Room

Style and Technique

Paul Auster's novel «The Locked Room» is part of his renowned «New York Trilogy» and is distinguished by its complex narrative structure, where the author explores themes of identity, loss, and self-discovery. Auster's style is characterized by minimalist language and attention to detail, creating an atmosphere of mystery and tension. The author employs techniques of metafiction, where the boundaries between reality and fiction are blurred, and actively plays with the concept of the author and narrator. A significant feature is the use of doubles and mirror reflections of characters, highlighting the theme of duality and the search for the true self. The narrative structure is nonlinear, allowing the reader to piece together the fragments of the story, creating an interactive engagement with the text. Auster masterfully uses symbolism and allusions, adding depth and layers to the narrative.