The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia · Chapter
The Story of Imlac Continued explained
Imlac confesses to Prince Rasselas that the inhabitants of the Happy Valley are not truly happy, lamenting their confinement and envy.
What happens
Imlac confesses to Prince Rasselas that the inhabitants of the Happy Valley are not truly happy, lamenting their confinement and envy. Rasselas reveals his long-meditated plan to escape and asks Imlac to be his guide. Imlac warns of the world's dangers but agrees to help. He then continues his personal history, describing his return to Abyssinia after years of travel, only to find his father dead, his friends gone, and his attempts at a settled life thwarted by rejection and disappointment, leading him to seek refuge in the Happy Valley.
Themes in this chapter
The Search for Happiness
Rasselas's determination to judge the various conditions of men and make a deliberate choice of life drives the chapter, as he rejects the valley's false contentment.
The Vanity of Human Wishes
Imlac's return to Abyssinia reveals the futility of his hopes for reunion and recognition, as his father is dead, friends gone, and his efforts to settle are rebuffed.
The Illusion of Perfect Places
Imlac exposes the Happy Valley as a place of hidden misery and envy, contradicting its reputation as a paradise.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“I know not one of all your attendants who does not lament the hour when he entered this retreat.”
Imlac tells Rasselas that every inhabitant of the Happy Valley regrets coming there.
Imlac reveals the universal discontent hidden beneath the valley's surface.
“I have long meditated an escape from the Happy Valley.”
Rasselas confesses that he has been planning to leave the valley for a long time.
Rasselas takes the first step toward action by sharing his secret plan with Imlac.
“I am resolved to judge with mine own eyes of the various conditions of men, and then to make deliberately my choice of life.”
Rasselas is determined to see the world for himself and then decide how to live.
This statement encapsulates Rasselas's central quest for a deliberate and informed life choice.
“A man used to vicissitudes is not easily dejected.”
Someone accustomed to change and hardship does not become quickly discouraged.
Imlac reflects on his own resilience after facing disappointment upon returning home.