# XXXII: They Enter the Pyramid explained — The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia

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

## What happens

Pekuah descends to the tents while the rest enter the Pyramid. They explore the galleries, vaults, and the supposed burial chest. Imlac reflects on the motives behind the Pyramid's construction, contrasting it with the practical purpose of the Great Wall of China. He argues that the Pyramid was built not for utility but to satisfy the insatiable hunger of imagination and vanity, serving as a monument to the insufficiency of human enjoyments.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Vanity of Human Wishes

Imlac argues that the Pyramid was built from vanity and the hunger of imagination, not from necessity, highlighting the futility of seeking lasting satisfaction through grand works.

### The Illusion of Perfect Places

The Pyramid, a monument of royal magnificence, is presented as a symbol of the insufficiency of human enjoyments, challenging the notion that power and riches bring lasting happiness.

## Character check-ins

### Imlac

Imlac leads the reflection on the Pyramid's purpose, contrasting it with the Great Wall and expounding on the vanity of human wishes.

### Pekuah

Pekuah descends to the tents and does not enter the Pyramid.

### Rasselas

Rasselas is present among those who enter the Pyramid and hear Imlac's discourse.

### Nekayah

Nekayah is present among those who enter the Pyramid and hear Imlac's discourse.

## Key lines

> It seems to have been erected only in compliance with that hunger of imagination which preys incessantly upon life, and must be always appeased by some employment.

The Pyramid appears to have been built solely to satisfy the restless appetite of the imagination, which constantly consumes life and requires continuous activity to be pacified.

_Imlac explains the psychological drive behind the Pyramid's construction._

> Whoever thou art that, not content with a moderate condition, imaginest happiness in royal magnificence, and dreamest that command or riches can feed the appetite of novelty with perpetual gratifications, survey the Pyramids, and confess thy folly!

Anyone who is dissatisfied with a simple life and believes that wealth or power can endlessly satisfy the desire for new experiences should look at the Pyramids and admit their mistake.

_Imlac concludes his moral lesson, urging the observer to recognize the folly of seeking perpetual novelty through grandeur._

## Links

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