Stranger Journal #2

1 - I believe that Ward's interpretation has the most literary value in the sense that he best represents Camus' original intent. Comparing both of the Translator's notes, it is clear that Gilbert is focused more on how he interprets the text whereas Ward literally interprets the words believing that Camus distinctly intended a consequence of that text. Additionally (albeit, as Ward pointed out), Gilbert creates is distinct sense of adulthood and a more British interpretation of the text. Ward uses actual written statements of intent from Camus to adopt a distinctly American version of the text, specifically more abrupt syntax (with the use of COMMAS) and a larger focus on the implication of words assuming that the physical meaning would eventually flow enough for the reader to understand.

2 - I believe that The Outsider is the best interpretation of the title. Group together extraneous, unknown, and irrelevant. There seems little indication by any standard that Meursault is an irrelevant part of the text. If that had truly been the case, Camus would have made a greater distinction about removing Meursault from the text (For example, using a third person objective narration). There would be considerably less focus of the events from Meursault's point of view. Stranger and alien seem more applicable, but ultimately seem incorrect. By the end of the book, the reader is able to better relate to Meursault's situation, especially following the courtroom scene. Therefore, from a reader's perspective, Meursault become the point of focus and the rest of the society begins to morph into the alienated party (for which, stranger singular, would not be applicable). That leaves foreign and outsider. While foreign(er) can be made applicable to a society, I feel that the book focuses more on Meursault as an individual. Despite definite imperialist undertones appearing in the text, the book does not seem to focus on MEURSAULT's race as a contributing factor to his exclusion. Thus, Outsider, which can incorporate both the cultural undertones and focus on Meursault as an individual seems most appropriate.