The story begins with the woman feeling isolated and disconnected from the other residents of the house. She is particularly drawn to a handsome young man, the Stranger, who also lives in the house. Despite her attraction, she finds him distant and unapproachable. He seems to live in his own world, shrouded in an aura of mystery and sadness.
As the story progresses, the woman attempts to connect with the Stranger, but he remains elusive. She observes him from afar, captivated by his enigmatic nature. He represents an escape from her mundane existence, a symbol of something more exciting and fulfilling.
However, the woman's attempts to reach out to the Stranger are met with indifference. He seems oblivious to her presence, lost in his own thoughts. The story ends with the woman realizing that she will never truly know the Stranger, and that he will remain forever a figure of longing and frustration.
The story's minimalist style and introspective tone contribute to its haunting effect. Mansfield uses vivid imagery and evocative language to capture the woman's feelings of loneliness and isolation. The Stranger's character remains ambiguous, leaving the reader to ponder the nature of his emotional state and his motivations.
"The Stranger" is ultimately a story about the longing for connection, the impossibility of fully knowing another person, and the bittersweet reality of human relationships. It explores the universal themes of desire, disappointment, and the elusive nature of true connection.