Rasselas: The Pursuit of Happiness Beyond the Happy Valley

Escaping the Happy Valley

One morning, while walking, Rasselas and Imlac observed conies fleeing from floods to the mountainsides. This observation led them to believe that by digging a cavity, they might find a chance to escape. Consequently, they began their labor.

While working on the escape, Rasselas’ sister, Nekayah, unexpectedly appeared. She kept their secret but requested that Rasselas allow her to escape with him, to which he agreed. They managed to complete the work and prepared to depart.

Arrival in Cairo

Rasselas, Imlac, and Nekayah successfully escaped. During the journey, they were surprised and frightened by the unknown world, as people did not treat them with the deference they were accustomed to. Imlac stayed with them for a few weeks in the first village. Eventually, the prince and his sister reached the port and embarked for Suez, later continuing to Cairo.

The Search for the Choice of Life

In Cairo, Imlac sold a portion of their jewelry and rented a house, establishing himself as a wealthy merchant. He invited men of all nations to his home. The prince accompanied Imlac to various places of recreation and social gatherings to facilitate his "choice of life." While Rasselas initially believed that all people were happy, Imlac maintained that perfect happiness is unattainable and warned that appearances are often deceptive.

The Vanity of Youthful Pleasures

Rasselas joined a group of young men, believing they led a happier life, but he soon realized their lifestyle was shameful. He spoke to them, trying to reason with them about their behavior, but his efforts were met only with laughter.

The Failure of Stoic Philosophy

Rasselas entered a building and found a wise professor who taught stoic patience as a means to happiness. Rasselas visited the man for several days, but upon returning one day, he found him grieving the death of his only daughter. The professor admitted that his views, purposes, and hopes had reached an end. Rasselas finally left, feeling disappointed by the encounter.

Seeking Solitude and the Life of Shepherds

Hearing of a hermit, Rasselas decided to visit him to see if happiness could be found in solitude. Accompanied by Imlac and his sister, they encountered a group of shepherds. They spent some time with them but realized the shepherds were not happy, as they felt condemned to labor for the benefit of the wealthy.

The Burden of Prosperity

They discovered a palace built on a hill surrounded by trees and were invited inside. The master of the palace, seeing that his guests were of high status, prepared a great feast. After they congratulated the master on his possessions, he replied that he was not happy; his prosperity endangered his life, as he lived in fear of the Bassa of Egypt. The prince and his company stayed for a few more days before continuing their journey toward the shrine.