The Stranger Journal #2

Part One:

Not to be ambivalent here, but I like parts of both Matthew Ward and Stuart Gilbert's translations. I think Matthew Ward's translation more accurately shows the relationship Meursault had with his mother. By using "Maman" instead of "Mother", Ward shows a Meursault that sounds more youthful and attached to his parents. I also think Ward portrays Meursault's dialogue as simplistic and less unceratin than Gilbert does.
What I like about Gilbert's version is how certain words are used to evoke images and themes. Just by using the words "the body" when Meursault describes how he will keep a vigil over his mother, it shows how Meursault views the dead as just that-a body, with no afterlife. This contrasts with the Christian themes that society believes in throughout the novel. Also, by saying a thought "struck" Meursault, Gilbert creates this violent imagery that foreshadows the violence later on in the novel.

Part Two:

I would assign The Outsider to be the title for the English translation of L'Étranger because I think it best desribes Meursault relative to society. In my mind, an outsider is someone who chooses to be removed or detached from a community or family, while a stranger is simmply an unknown or unfamilar person. Meursault seems to have no desire to be part of a community or a circle of friends. When Raymond says that he and Meursault are friends, Meursault reacts impassivley, thinking "I didn't maind being his pal, and he seemed set on it" (Camus 33). Also, Meursault reacts in this same impassive way when Marie asks if he wants to marry her. "I said it didn't make any difference to me and that we could if we wanted to [...] it didn't really matter" (Camus 41). Meursault acts in this outside manner, never showing any desire to form relationships with others. Even though he lives in an apartment, living in close surroundings to other people, he is not close to anyone, spending most of his time by himself. This behavior of Meursault's is one of an outsider and I think The Stranger should be renamed to reflect this attitude.