The Stranger - Journal 2

The title, L'Etranger, is often translated as The Stranger, The Foreigner, and The Outsider. E'tranger can also mean "foreign", "overseas", "unknown", "extraneous", "outsider", "stranger", "alien", "unconnected", and "irrelevant".

Journal #2: Part one: According to your work today in class, which translator would you argue has the most literary value and why? What elements of the text are you valuing by the decision you made?

Part two: According to the above meanings for the work "e'tranger", what title would you assign the English translation of the text and why. Go as far as to cite specific examples from the book that support your decision.

 

 Because I have read a limited amount of Stuart Gilbert's translation of The Stranger, I find it hard to assess the literary value of his translation in comparison to Matthew Ward's. But from I read in class I would say that I personally find more value in Matthew Ward's translation. In the selected passages we read, Gilbert's translation contained much more description in regards to the environment that Meresault was in, this seems to distract from the development of Meresault and his unique way of thinking. Ward's simpler use of words and sentences aids in showing the progression and style of thinking that defines Meresault. Gilbert also uses the passive voice to a larger extent (at least, in the first passage), which makes Meresault seem unsure in his actions and thoughts. To me this seems somewhat unfaithful to the character of Meresault,  who is sure of his thoughts and view on the world even as he faces execution.

Of the three titles, The Stranger, The Outsider and The Foreigner, I prefer The Stranger as chosen by both of the translators we looked at. The word foreigner in place of the word stranger gives a emphasis on the setting of the book and Meresault's place within it. While this can have a great deal of value, Meresault is not a native of the African-Arabian country in which he lives and race (Arabs especially) places a major role in the story, I feel that The Stranger places a higher emphasis on Meresault's ideas and philosophies. This is further cemented by the fact that there is very little mention of the global setting other than the names of cities, a reader who does not know where the cities in the book are located could easily mistake it as being in France or really many other countries. Between the word "stranger" and the word "outsider" I find little difference, both could do an equally fine job of framing the book and Meresault as an individual. However, personal connotations make me see an "outsider" as one who does not conform to societies rules and cannot comprehend the general structure of a place that they suddenly find themselves in. Meresault certainly does not conform to traditional thoughts or ideas, but he is understanding of the way other people and society runs. This leads me to choose the word "stranger" as opposed to either "foreigner" or "outsider".