50 pages • 1 hour read
Samuel JohnsonThe History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1759A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Character Analysis
Rasselas
Rasselas, the titular character and protagonist of Samuel Johnson’s philosophical tale, is a dynamic and round figure who encapsulates the archetype of the seeker. Confined within the Happy Valley—a utopian environment designed to provide perpetual pleasure and security for its inhabitants—Rasselas experiences profound dissatisfaction. Despite the abundance of material comforts, he grows restless, yearning for a deeper understanding of happiness beyond the superficial joys offered by his surroundings. The journey he ultimately takes outside the Happy Valley is the vehicle for The Philosophical Exploration of Happiness and Its Attainability.
As a prince, Rasselas is initially depicted as content within the valley’s confines, but his character gradually evolves as he becomes increasingly introspective. Johnson employs indirect characterization, using Rasselas’s actions and philosophical dialogues to reveal his thoughtful nature and growing discontent. For example, Rasselas’s meditative walks and his critical observations of the natural world lead him to question the nature of human satisfaction. He envies the simplicity of animals, whose contentment stems from the fulfillment of basic needs, and begins to ponder whether there is a higher form of happiness that he has yet to discover.
Rasselas’s internal struggle against complacency and his desire to escape the valley symbolize a broader existential quest. His conversations with his sister, Nekayah, and with Imlac, the philosopher, serve as key moments of character development, highlighting his transition from a passive observer to an active seeker of truth. These dialogues are philosophical inquiries, reflecting Rasselas’s deepening understanding of the complexities of human existence. However, the conclusion of the novel is notably inconclusive. Despite his extensive search, Rasselas does not find a definitive answer to what constitutes true happiness. Instead, he contemplates his ideal life as a ruler, still searching for a way to create a balanced and fulfilling existence. This ending underscores the novel’s theme that the pursuit of happiness is an ongoing and perhaps unattainable quest.
Imlac
Imlac, introduced as a learned man who aids Rasselas in his escape from the Happy Valley, serves as both a mentor and guide throughout the narrative. Fitting the mentor archetype, Imlac shows wisdom and experience that are crucial in shaping the main characters’ intellectual and emotional development. Imlac’s character is dynamic, although more static than Rasselas’s, as he consistently offers a perspective grounded in experience and practicality.
Imlac’s background as a traveler and scholar provides context for his philosophical insights. His story of exploration and discovery, as recounted to Rasselas, highlights the limitations and challenges inherent in the pursuit of knowledge and happiness. Imlac’s return to the valley by choice contrasts with Rasselas’s involuntary confinement, underscoring the theme of freedom versus security and thus advancing the theme of The Role of Personal Freedom in Achieving Fulfillment.
Through Imlac’s dialogues with Rasselas, Johnson delves into themes such as the nature of human desire, the pursuit of fulfillment, and the limitations of worldly experiences. Imlac’s reflections on his travels and the diverse cultures he has encountered broaden Rasselas’s understanding of the world and emphasize the multifaceted nature of happiness. Imlac’s pragmatic approach and his acknowledgment of life’s inherent uncertainties serve as a counterbalance to Rasselas’s idealism.
Ultimately, Imlac is content to let life carry him forward without the need for grand ambitions or specific destinations. This represents perhaps the most conclusive idea regarding The Philosophical Exploration of Happiness and Its Attainability—that happiness is not a static ideal or final destination but a continuous journey shaped by one’s experiences and outlook. Imlac’s acceptance of life’s unpredictability and his focus on the present moment illustrate a philosophy of finding contentment in the ongoing process of living rather than in the attainment of an ultimate, unchanging state of happiness.
Nekayah
Nekayah, Rasselas’s sister, plays a crucial role in the narrative, complementing and contrasting with Rasselas’s character. Like her brother, she embodies the archetype of the seeker, sharing his discontent with the sheltered life of the Happy Valley and his desire to explore the world beyond its confines.
Nekayah’s character is round and undergoes development as she engages with the complexities of the external world. Her journey is marked by a gradual evolution in her understanding of happiness, solitude, and social engagement. Initially, Nekayah’s perspective is shaped by the sheltered and controlled environment of the valley, but her experiences outside its confines broaden her views. Her interactions with various individuals—from scholars to commoners—highlight the diverse facets of human life and the different paths to fulfillment.
A pivotal moment in Nekayah’s development is the kidnapping of her maid, Pekuah. This traumatic event forces Nekayah to confront the harsh realities of the world and navigate a deep personal crisis. Her emotional response to Pekuah’s abduction—marked by intense grief, fear, and anxiety—reveals her vulnerability and attachment to those she cares about. When Pekuah is eventually rescued, Nekayah’s relief and joy underscore her capacity for resilience and recovery. This experience teaches her about the fragility of happiness and the importance of human connections in achieving true contentment.
Nekayah’s reflections on personal relationships and societal roles deepen her understanding of happiness. She realizes that true happiness is not found in isolation or in a life free from challenges but in meaningful connections and the ability to overcome adversity. Her relationships with her brother, Pekuah, and others they meet on their journey contribute to her evolving perspective on what constitutes a fulfilling life. Nekayah’s growing understanding of the complexities of human relationships and the interplay between individual desires and social responsibilities adds to the novel’s exploration of happiness.
In the end, Nekayah’s intellectual curiosity leads her to imagine founding a college for learned women where she could both gain and impart knowledge. This vision reflects her belief in the value of education, intellectual growth, and the sharing of wisdom. As the conclusion to Nekayah’s character arc, this aspiration draws together purpose, community, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge as key to happiness.
Pekuah
Pekuah, Nekayah’s maid, serves as a secondary character. Although she is a flatter character compared to the main protagonists, her kidnapping introduces a crucial plot twist that affects Nekayah and adds to the story’s exploration of fear and freedom. During her captivity, Pekuah interacts with the Arab chief and observes a different way of life, which enriches the text’s philosophical discourse by providing a contrast to the sheltered existence of the Happy Valley. Her recounting of these interactions challenges preconceived notions and stereotypes of the “other.” The Arab chief, initially perceived as a mere bandit, is revealed to be a complex character with his own sense of justice, hospitality, and cultural pride. This portrayal complicates Western stereotypes of other cultures and encourages a more empathetic and multifaceted understanding of human diversity.
Pekuah’s observations during her captivity highlight the themes of security versus adventure and the relativity of happiness. Despite the danger and uncertainty of her situation, she learns to navigate and adapt to her new environment, demonstrating resilience and resourcefulness. Her experience illustrates that safety and comfort are not the sole determinants of happiness. Instead, the ability to adapt and find meaning in different circumstances is crucial. Further, Pekuah’s ordeal forces her to grapple with the fear of the unknown and the loss of control, leading her to an appreciation of freedom and autonomy. Upon her return, Pekuah’s insights into the complexities of human existence and the diversity of cultural values broaden the perspectives of Rasselas and Nekayah, contributing to their ongoing quest for understanding true happiness.
In the end, Pekuah longs for the simplicity and devotion of a religious life, envisioning herself as a prioress in a convent. This aspiration reflects her desire for stability and piety, as she seeks a life away from the complexities and uncertainties of the world. Pekuah’s inclination underscores the potential role of spiritual devotion in happiness. Her character arc, from captivity to a longing for religious solitude, exemplifies the varied and personal nature of the pursuit of happiness, illustrating that it is as much about internal states of being as it is about external circumstances.
