The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia

Rasselas and Nekayah decide to continue their quest for happiness by exploring different aspects of life. Rasselas focuses on the life of courts and power, believing happiness might be found in authority and influence. Nekayah investigates whether happiness lies in the simplicity and modesty of middle fortune.

Rasselas investigates whether true happiness can be found in high political office. At the court of the Bassa, he observes the appealing aspects of power—being revered and capable of significant influence. Initially intrigued, he questions whether this could be the pinnacle of human satisfaction. As he integrates into the court, he discovers envy, hatred, and mistrust among officials. Life at court involves constant scheming, with spies monitoring actions and reporting faults. The treacherous environment culminates in the dramatic fall of the Bassa. Rasselas learns that high office is fraught with instability and danger, leading him to doubt whether true happiness can be found in such positions.

Nekayah explores the nature of happiness by integrating herself into various families. She finds the mirth of young women superficial and their relationships competitive. Their happiness is marred by jealousy and romantic entanglements that lead to frustration. Despite social success, Nekayah feels detached and disenchanted by the lack of depth in these interactions. She delves deeper into others’ sorrows and joys, discussing her findings with Rasselas. Observing hidden poverty, she notes the disparity between appearances and reality. Her generosity is sometimes met with resentment. Nekayah concludes that both prosperity and poverty conceal unhappiness.

Nekayah reflects on familial dynamics, noting that relationships often deteriorate after childhood. Rivalries arise as children compete for parental attention, and parents may favor one child, breeding resentment. She observes generational divides, with youth driven by idealism and age by caution, leading to misunderstandings. Nekayah argues that familial discord is common even among virtuous families. She discusses other sources of private unhappiness, like employer-servant dynamics and marital strains. Nekayah suggests that while individual actions spread misery easily, spreading happiness is harder. She acknowledges marriage’s difficulties but critiques the joyless lives of those avoiding it. The siblings conclude that all life choices have challenges and that greater understanding doesn’t resolve human dilemmas.

Rasselas and Nekayah debate the nature of happiness in high positions. Rasselas argues that great power exposes one to opposition and misfortune. Governing in a way that satisfies everyone is difficult, often leading to discontent. Nekayah hopes to suppress unjust discontent, but Rasselas highlights the inevitability of reasonable discontent. He believes high stations are not the best avenue toward happiness. Nekayah ponders the relationship between goodness and happiness, acknowledging that virtue provides internal peace but doesn’t shield one from external calamities. They conclude that true happiness might be found in simpler, more manageable environments.

Rasselas suggests focusing on achievable happiness rather than worrying about possible disasters. Nekayah, skeptical of marriage, points out its potential for misery due to conflicting temperaments and differing opinions. Rasselas argues against extreme views, noting that both marriage and celibacy have their challenges. Nekayah acknowledges the complexity of comparing life choices and admits perspectives can change over time. Rasselas criticizes Nekayah for extrapolating from individual unhappy marriages to indict the institution.

Rasselas criticizes impulsive young marriages, arguing that they often lead to disillusionment. He believes maturity leads to better choices and stable unions. Nekayah counters that late marriages struggle with the participants’ inflexibility and established routines. Rasselas suggests an optimal balance between youth and maturity. Nekayah reflects on the trade-offs in life, emphasizing the importance of making choices and finding contentment. She advises against trying to capture all advantages at once, stressing the value of appreciating chosen paths without perpetual yearning for what is not chosen.

Imlac interrupts Rasselas and Nekayah’s somber discussion, urging them to consider Egypt’s historical and cultural heritage. He argues that studying ancient achievements like the pyramids offers insights into human progress and societal dynamics. Rasselas prefers studying contemporary behavior, while Nekayah questions ancient history’s relevance. Imlac emphasizes historical context’s importance in understanding the present and shaping the future. He suggests that monumental achievements can teach one about human capabilities and inform better governance. Convinced, Rasselas and Nekayah agree to visit the pyramids, hoping to gain deeper insights into ancient civilizations and their relevance to contemporary life.

Rasselas, Nekayah, Imlac, and their companions are awestruck by the Great Pyramid’s size and stability. Imlac shares insights on its design, and they prepare to explore its interior. Pekuah, Nekayah’s maid, is terrified by imagined spirits but reassured by Rasselas, who argues the dead pose no threat. Imlac acknowledges the widespread belief in apparitions but reasons that there’s no specific cause for spirits to haunt the pyramid. Despite reassurances, Pekuah remains fearful, pleading to stay outside. Nekayah agrees, and Pekuah waits in the tent while the others explore. Determined to fulfill their journey’s purpose, they proceed to uncover the pyramid’s inner mysteries.