The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia · Chapter
XV: The Prince and Princess Leave the Valley, and See Many Wonders explained
Rasselas, Nekayah, and Imlac escape the Happy Valley with the Princess's maid Pekuah.
What happens
Rasselas, Nekayah, and Imlac escape the Happy Valley with the Princess's maid Pekuah. They descend into the outside world, experiencing fear and wonder at the vastness. After encountering shepherds and traveling through villages, Imlac teaches them to adapt to common life. They eventually reach the seacoast, stay at a port, and then sail to Suez, traveling overland to Cairo.
Themes in this chapter
The Illusion of Perfect Places
The Happy Valley is left behind, and the outside world, though initially frightening, offers new experiences and flavors, challenging the valley's supposed perfection.
The Choice of Life
The Prince and Princess actively choose to leave the valley and embark on a journey of discovery, facing the unknown and learning to adapt.
Characters to notice
- Rasselas
Leads the escape from the Happy Valley, conceals his fear, and learns to adapt to common life under Imlac's guidance.
- Nekayah
Expresses fear and hesitation about the journey, but is drawn forward; she marvels at the new world and struggles with the loss of royal deference.
- Imlac
Guides the escape, reassures the Prince and Princess, teaches them to behave as commoners, and arranges their travel to Cairo.
- Pekuah
The Princess's favourite maid who follows her unknowingly into the escape.
Key passages
“I am almost afraid to begin a journey of which I cannot perceive an end, and to venture into this immense plain where I may be approached on every side by men whom I never saw.”
Nekayah expresses her fear of starting a journey with no visible end and entering an open plain where strangers can approach from any direction.
Highlights the Princess's anxiety about the unknown and the loss of security.
“The Princess wondered that she did not see a palace ready for her reception and a table spread with delicacies; but being faint and hungry, she drank the milk and ate the fruits, and thought them of a higher flavour than the products of the valley.”
Nekayah expected royal treatment but, when hungry, found simple shepherd fare more flavorful than the valley's food.
Shows the contrast between expectation and reality, and the beginning of adaptation.