Psychological Functions of Urban Architecture in Twentieth-Century American Fiction

This article examines the psychological functions of urban architecture in twentieth-century American fiction. The study explores how architectural elements such as streets, skyscrapers, residential buildings, public spaces, and transportation systems influence the psychological development, emotional perception, and behavioural transformation of literary characters. Particular attention is given to the relationship between urban space, alienation, identity formation, loneliness, and social interaction. Using a comparative literary approach, the article analyzes selected American novels to demonstrate that urban architecture performs not only a spatial function but also acts as a psychological narrative mechanism shaping character experience and narrative progression. The findings highlight the significant role of metropolitan architecture in constructing the artistic and psychological dimensions of twentieth-century American literature.