Journal Prompt #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.
Response:
Part one: The comparison between Ward's and Gilbert's translations is quite shocking due to the distinct styles they each have. Although both translators hold literary value, I find Ward's translation to be the most effective. Ward's short sentences and bland description matches my view of the emotions in the book. The lack of adjectives allow a direct meaning to stand out, rather than cover it with description. It seems to me that Ward distances the reader through a linear style of writing and making concise statements. Gilbert, on the other hand, uses fuller description, but it is in a harsh tone; such as when he used the word "struck" it illustrates a violent picture in the readers head, which is his way of distancing the reader from the characters. By using concise wording, it is unlike human emotions since there is no notice of description which makes the reader feel distant, thus why Ward's lack of description makes an effective translation. I also find Ward's use of syntax to be powerful. The choppy, semicolon ways of Gilbert add pauses and even might confuse a reader, but Ward's use of periods makes it clear that a thought has ended. Through Ward's translation it is clear that Mersault jumps back to a thought later on, rather than lingering on it. One last reason I see Ward's work has the most literary value is the diction. Ward keeps the French word "Maman", giving an intimate feeling and showing that there might be more emotion to Mersault than he is given credit for. Ward also keeps kilometers, sticking to the authenticity of the French novel.
Part two: Out of the titles given, I feel that The Stranger still fits the book the best. The word "outsider" seems as if someone, in this case Mersault, is not being accepted into society, rather than how I see that he does not try to understand his community. A "foreigner" paints an image of not only someone different, but from a different place. Although the book never states where Mersault was born, it would seem as though he has grown up in the same area or has at least been there long enough to get to know the people in his neighborhood. Using the word "stranger" implies an uncertainty, even a sense of danger. Mersault often states how he has little opinion on things, which shows how little other characters know about him. When Raymond asks Mersault's opinion on the scandal, Merault replies with: "[...] I didn't think anything, but I said that it was interesting" (Camus 32). This lack of information on Mersault distances a person, as if they do not know him well, much like someone would question a stranger's character. Later on when Mersault shoots the Arab, Mersault becomes seen as a dangerous person. Since the people who assume Mersault is dangerous do not know him personally, he has somewhat of a "stranger" persona. Many aspects of being a "stranger" are seen through Mersault's character, allowing the title The Stranger to work well.
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