The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia · Chapter
They Enter Cairo, and Find Every Man Happy explained
Rasselas, Imlac, and the party arrive in Cairo, where Imlac poses as a wealthy merchant to gain access to all levels of society.
What happens
Rasselas, Imlac, and the party arrive in Cairo, where Imlac poses as a wealthy merchant to gain access to all levels of society. The Prince and Princess study the language for two years, then begin observing various conditions of life. At first, Rasselas believes everyone is truly happy, but Imlac warns him that outward gaiety often conceals inner sadness, and that happiness is rarely found.
Themes in this chapter
The Choice of Life
Rasselas seeks to observe all conditions of humanity in Cairo to make an informed choice of life, but finds that appearances are deceptive.
The Illusion of Perfect Places
Cairo initially seems to Rasselas a place of universal happiness, but Imlac reveals that the joy he sees is often a mask for inner misery.
Characters to notice
- Rasselas
The Prince, initially deceived by the apparent happiness of others, confesses his own restlessness and learns that gaiety may be counterfeit.
- Imlac
The poet and guide, who poses as a merchant, introduces the Prince to the world and warns him against trusting appearances of happiness.
- Nekayah
The Princess, who struggles with being 'levelled with the vulgar' and remains in her chamber served by Pekuah.
- Pekuah
The favourite lady who serves the Princess in her chamber as in the Happy Valley.
Key passages
“Every man may by examining his own mind guess what passes in the minds of others. When you feel that your own gaiety is counterfeit, it may justly lead you to suspect that of your companions not to be sincere.”
By looking inward, you can infer others' true feelings; if your cheerfulness is fake, theirs likely is too.
Imlac teaches Rasselas that outward happiness is often a performance.
“I am pleased to think that my birth has given me at least one advantage over others by enabling me to determine for myself. I have here the world before me. I will review it at leisure: surely happiness is somewhere to be found.”
Rasselas believes his royal birth grants him the freedom to choose his own path, and he is confident that happiness exists somewhere.
The Prince's optimistic resolve to find happiness through deliberate choice.