The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia · Chapter
The Danger of Prosperity explained
Rasselas and his party encounter a wealthy master in a secluded, luxurious estate.
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.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the old man shatters the Prince’s hope that age brings peace,…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes 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.
Characters to notice
- 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 passages
“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.
