The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia

The exploration of the Great Pyramid provides a reflection on human achievement and its underlying motivations. Imlac’s comparison of the pyramid to the Great Wall of China revolves around a notable point: While the Great Wall had a clear defensive purpose, the pyramids’ purpose seems less practical, pointing to a human desire for legacy and meaning beyond immediate needs. This reflection resonates with the Enlightenment emphasis on understanding human nature and the drive for immortality through monumental works. The pyramids themselves symbolize the emptiness of material achievements when they lack deeper fulfillment or purpose, aligning with Johnson’s critique of pursuing happiness solely through external accomplishments or sensory pleasures. The pyramids also tacitly develop the work’s commentary on wealth and power, as even the rulers who built the pyramids were subject to basic human yearnings that are difficult to satisfy.

The abduction of Pekuah and the group’s subsequent struggle force the characters to confront the harsh realities of the world outside the controlled environment of the Happy Valley. This episode underscores the inherent dangers and unpredictability that disrupt idealistic notions of a perfect existence, developing The Philosophical Exploration of Happiness and Its Attainability: Unforeseen challenges can always emerge, challenging the stability of any contentment.

Because of Pekuah’s close connection with Nekayah, the episode also further develops Nekayah’s reflections on human relationships. Nekayah’s grief and self-reproach highlight the emotional complexity of such relationships, but they also introduce the element of personal loss, which now shades her consideration of the relative merits of solitude and company. Her reflections on withdrawing from the world and her subsequent decision to delay such a choice illustrate the tension between seeking solitude for self-protection and the need for human connection. This internal conflict aligns with the broader theme of The Role of Personal Freedom in Achieving Fulfillment, suggesting that true freedom involves navigating the responsibilities and emotional bonds that come with relationships.

Pekuah’s recounting of her adventures among the Arabs likewise provides insights into the nature and importance of human freedom. Despite her predicament, Pekuah finds ways to engage intellectually and navigate her circumstances with resilience. Her experience reflects the human capacity to find meaning and maintain dignity even in challenging situations. In Pekuah’s case, the absence of physical freedom does not entirely preclude her from achieving a degree of fulfillment. Her ability to find intellectual engagement and maintain a sense of purpose reflects the idea that personal fulfillment can be derived from internal resources, such as resilience, adaptability, and intellectual curiosity. Pekuah’s story underscores that even in the face of external constraints, individuals can exercise their inner freedom to cultivate meaning and satisfaction in their lives.

While the sensationalism of the kidnapping episode reflects a somewhat Orientalist outlook, Johnson is therefore not fundamentally concerned with either the subject matter’s potential mystique or with portraying Arab culture (accurately or otherwise). Rather, the Arab chief—like the other characters, all of whom hail from cultures that would have seemed “exotic” to Western Europeans—is shown to have embraced Enlightenment values. For example, the chief’s respect for Pekuah’s status and his knowledge of ancient civilizations emphasize the importance of historical awareness. This aligns with Enlightenment ideals that value historical knowledge as essential for understanding contemporary society and human nature. The exchange at the monastery of St. Anthony further underscores the role of tradition and historical context in shaping human interactions and societal norms.

By contrast, Rasselas’s encounter with the astronomer tempers Enlightenment optimism, instead exploring the limits of intellectual pursuits in achieving personal happiness. The astronomer’s dedication to his studies and his claim to control natural forces highlight the tension between knowledge and delusion. This narrative thread critiques the idea that intellectual achievement alone can lead to fulfillment, suggesting that even the most profound knowledge can be accompanied by personal turmoil and unaddressed internal conflicts.