Rasselas's Quest for Happiness: A Summary and Analysis

Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)

The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia (1759)

Rasselas, the son of an emperor, is confined to the idyllic Happy Valley until he is ready to rule. However, he resents this confinement and longs to experience the world beyond. Determined to discover the true meaning of happiness and his"choice of life" Rasselas devises a plan to escape. Throughout his journey, he displays intelligence, wit, and a rational mind, often seeking guidance from the wise Imlac.

Rasselas's Discontent

In a conversation with his former instructor, Rasselas confesses his dissatisfaction with the pleasures of the Happy Valley. He admits to feeling stagnant and lacking aspirations. The old man, taken aback, suggests that experiencing the world's miseries would make Rasselas appreciate his current situation. However, Rasselas believes that true happiness lies in understanding and overcoming these miseries.

The Escape Plan

Despite attempting to feign interest in the palace's amusements, Rasselas remains restless. After months of contemplation and feeling a sense of wasted time, he resolves to escape the Happy Valley. For ten months, he searches for a way out but finds none. Undeterred, he continues to observe human behavior, hoping for any opportunity to break free.

A Chance Encounter

One day, a skilled mechanic arrives in the valley, captivating Rasselas's attention with his ambitious project: building wings for human flight. Intrigued, Rasselas supports the inventor's endeavor. However, after a year of work, the experiment fails, leaving the inventor disheartened and nearly drowning. Rasselas rescues him from the lake.

Imlac's Influence

During a period of heavy rainfall, Rasselas finds solace in a poem recited by Imlac, a wise scholar residing in the Happy Valley. Impressed by Imlac's wisdom, Rasselas invites him to his chambers, engaging in daily discussions and learning from his experiences. Rasselas requests Imlac to share his life story and the reasons behind his arrival in the Happy Valley. However, their conversation is interrupted by a summons to a concert.

Imlac's Past and Rasselas's Plea

Imlac, the son of a wealthy merchant, developed a thirst for knowledge early in life. He eventually renounced his family's wealth to pursue a life of scholarship and travel. After years of exploring Persia, Arabia, and other lands, he returned home to find his father had passed away. Seeking refuge, Imlac entered the Happy Valley, where he confesses to feeling a sense of unfulfillment. Recognizing Imlac's wisdom and experience, Rasselas confides in him his desire to escape. Despite Imlac's warnings of potential difficulties and regrets, Rasselas remains resolute in his pursuit of true happiness beyond the confines of the Happy Valley.