Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia
“Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia” is a philosophical novel by the renowned English writer Samuel Johnson. The narrative follows Rasselas, a young Ethiopian prince who leaves his sheltered life in the “Happy Valley” to explore the outside world in search of meaning and fulfillment. Through his adventures and encounters with diverse characters, the book delves into profound themes such as happiness, freedom, and societal structures.
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About This Ebook
Set against the backdrop of an idyllic “Happy Valley,” where inhabitants live carefree lives, Rasselas becomes dissatisfied with this seemingly perfect existence and yearns to understand the realities beyond his secluded environment. Accompanied by his sister Nekayah and their tutor Imlac, he escapes from the valley and embarks on a journey filled with challenges and introspection. Their travels take them to places like Cairo, exposing them to a wide array of people and social conditions. Throughout these experiences, Rasselas learns that the pursuit of an ideal life often leads to disappointment and that true contentment stems from inner peace and rational acceptance of the world’s imperfections. Johnson uses this tale to reflect upon humanity’s quest for utopia and underscores the importance of embracing reality.