The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia · Chapter
The Prince Associates with Young Men of Spirit and Gaiety explained
Rasselas decides to seek happiness among young men devoted to pleasure, but quickly becomes disillusioned by their empty mirth and lack of purpose.
What happens
Rasselas decides to seek happiness among young men devoted to pleasure, but quickly becomes disillusioned by their empty mirth and lack of purpose. He attempts to counsel them on the importance of planning for the future, but is met with laughter and derision. Despite this, he maintains his resolve and continues his search for solid and permanent happiness.
Themes in this chapter
The Search for Happiness
Rasselas actively experiments with a life of pleasure, only to find it hollow, reinforcing the theme that happiness is not found in mere sensual gratification.
The Choice of Life
Rasselas reflects on the necessity of making deliberate choices for a meaningful life, contrasting his own reasoned approach with the aimless conduct of his companions.
Characters to notice
- Rasselas
Rasselas joins young men of spirit and gaiety, becomes weary and disgusted, and attempts to remonstrate with them about their lifestyle.
Key passages
“Their mirth was without images, their laughter without motive; their pleasures were gross and sensual, in which the mind had no part; their conduct was at once wild and mean—they laughed at order and at law, but the frown of power dejected and the eye of wisdom abashed them.”
Their joy lacked imagination, their laughter had no reason, and their pleasures were purely physical, leaving the mind uninvolved. They mocked rules and authority, yet were easily intimidated by power and wisdom.
Rasselas observes the superficiality and cowardice of the young men's hedonism.
“Happiness must be something solid and permanent, without fear and without uncertainty.”
True happiness must be stable and lasting, free from anxiety and doubt.
Rasselas articulates his ideal of happiness as enduring and secure.
“Let us consider that youth is of no long duration, and that in mature age, when the enchantments of fancy shall cease, and phantoms of delight dance no more about us, we shall have no comforts but the esteem of wise men and the means of doing good.”
We must remember that youth is brief, and when we are older and the illusions of pleasure fade, our only comforts will be the respect of the wise and the ability to do good.
Rasselas warns his companions about the consequences of a life without foresight.