Journal 2: The Stranger Translation

Part I:

I believe that the translator with the most literary value is Matthew Ward. Characterization is fundamental throughout the novel in order to allow the reader to understand (or not understand) Meursault. That being said, language should be parallel to the character. Because Meursault is generally very distant from the reader, so should the language. Ward generally distances the reader more than any other translator because of his use of simple syntax. Reading his translation is by far more "choppy" and robotic and takes away from the human element, which is in essence Meursault. In addition, the foreign nature of the translation (i..e. use of kilometers over miles) gives the reader (at least from an American perspective) an even greater distance to the novel.

Part II:

Of the highlighted titles, I believe The Unknown  is the most relevant and accurate title to the novel. Meursault as a character is generally more distant than to the reader than the traditional protagonist. Everything about his nature from his lack of sympathy to his indifference to society's expectations is completely new to the reader. In addition, his past (and thus motivation) are also hidden from the reader.