Camus's ideal of authentic life

The development of Camus's ideal of authenticity is evident in three literary works: 'The Outsider,''Caligula' and 'The Guest.' In 'The Outsider,' the hypocrisy underlying social ideals such as sincerity leads the protagonist to an awareness of absurdity, which allows him to achieve authenticity. However, in the play 'Caligula,' Camus shows that individualistic authenticity results in a destructive nihilism. The short story 'The Guest' suggests a return to natural values of honor, respect and dignity that are innately human and prior to any ethical code. Such values provide a positive content to the notion of authenticity.