# The Danger of Prosperity explained — The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia

> Chapter companion for The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia by Samuel Johnson.

## What happens

Rasselas and his party encounter a wealthy master in a secluded, luxurious estate. The master appears happy but confesses that his prosperity endangers him, as the Bassa of Egypt is his enemy. The party laments his plight and then departs to find the hermit.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Illusion of Perfect Places

The master's estate appears idyllic but conceals the danger of prosperity and the threat of exile.

### The Vanity of Human Wishes

The master's wealth and happiness are undermined by the constant threat of his enemy, showing the vanity of earthly success.

## Character check-ins

### Rasselas

Observes the master's happiness and hopes to find what he seeks, but learns of the danger of prosperity.

### Imlac

His eloquence catches the master's attention, and he participates in the conversation about the master's peril.

### Nekayah

The Princess is so disturbed by the master's story that she retires to her apartment.

### The Bassa

Mentioned as the enemy of the wealthy master, incensed by his wealth and popularity.

## Key lines

> My condition has indeed the appearance of happiness, but appearances are delusive. My prosperity puts my life in danger; the Bassa of Egypt is my enemy, incensed only by my wealth and popularity.

The master admits that his life seems happy but is actually threatened by the Bassa of Egypt, who envies his wealth.

_The master reveals the hidden peril behind his prosperous facade._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xx-the-danger-of-prosperity
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters