# Imlac — The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia character guide > Imlac in The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia by Samuel Johnson. **Role:** major **Also known as:** X Imlac **First appearance:** 0008-vii-the-prince-finds-a-man-of-learning ## Snapshot A poet who has already tasted the world and found it bitter, he joins the prince's flight as guide, witness, and the voice that keeps hope honest. ## Who they are Imlac arrives in the Happy Valley as a traveler permitted to stay, bringing with him memory of courts, commerce, and disappointment the sheltered royals have never known. He is by turns mentor and skeptic, urging Rasselas toward experience while quietly doubting that experience will answer anything. His long account of a poet's life — its poverty, its dependence, its fragile dignity — gives the journey its intellectual spine and its recurring warning against expecting too much from any single choice. ## Relationships ### [Rasselas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/characters/rasselas) _friendship_ Imlac serves as Rasselas's wise mentor and traveling companion, guiding his philosophical inquiries. ### [The Astronomer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/characters/the_astronomer) _social_ Imlac introduces the Astronomer to the group and mediates his strange confessions with calm understanding. ### [The Hermit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/characters/the_hermit) _social_ Imlac speaks with the Hermit as a fellow traveler in the search for wisdom. ### [The Old Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/characters/the_old_man) _social_ Imlac engages the Old Man in conversation about the futility of seeking constant happiness. ### [Pekuah](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/characters/pekuah) _social_ Imlac treats Pekuah with courtesy as part of the prince's retinue. ### [Rasselas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/characters/rasselas) _friendship_ Imlac serves as Rasselas's wise mentor and traveling companion, guiding his philosophical inquiries. ### [Rasselas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/characters/rasselas) _friendship_ Imlac serves as Rasselas's wise mentor and traveling companion, guiding his philosophical inquiries. ### [The Astronomer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/characters/the_astronomer) _social_ Imlac introduces the Astronomer to the group and mediates his strange confessions with calm understanding. ### [The Old Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/characters/the_old_man) _social_ Imlac engages the Old Man in conversation about the futility of seeking constant happiness. ### [The Hermit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/characters/the_hermit) _social_ Imlac speaks with the Hermit as a fellow traveler in the search for wisdom. ### [Pekuah](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/characters/pekuah) _social_ Imlac treats Pekuah with courtesy as part of the prince's retinue. ## In the story ### [VI: A Dissertation on the Art of Flying](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/vi-a-dissertation-on-the-art-of-flying) Not present in this chapter. ### [The Prince Finds a Man of Learning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/vii-the-prince-finds-a-man-of-learning) Recites a poem on the various conditions of humanity, becomes a source of instruction and novelty for Rasselas, and is commanded to relate his history. ### [The History of Imlac](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/viii-the-history-of-imlac) Tells the story of his youth, education, and decision to pursue knowledge over wealth. ### [The History of Imlac Continued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/ix-the-history-of-imlac-continued) Narrates his history of travel, learning, and encounters with fraud and human nature. ### [Imlac's History Continued—A Dissertation Upon Poetry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/x-imlac-s-history-continued-a-dissertation-upon-poetry) Imlac narrates his poetic journey, detailing his studies, his rejection of imitation, and his philosophy of poetry as the interpreter of nature and legislator of mankind. ### [XI: Imlac’s History Continued—A Hint of Pilgrimage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xi-imlac-s-history-continued-a-hint-of-pilgrimage) Continues his history, describing his travels in Syria and Palestine and his observations of European power and knowledge. ### [The Story of Imlac Continued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xii-the-story-of-imlac-continued) Imlac reveals the truth about the valley's misery, warns Rasselas of the world's dangers, and continues his personal history of disappointment and retreat. ### [XIII: Rasselas Discovers the Means of Escape](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xiii-rasselas-discovers-the-means-of-escape) The sage who proposes the tunneling plan, provides tools, and counsels perseverance and reason over superstition. ### [XIV: Rasselas and Imlac Receive an Unexpected Visit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xiv-rasselas-and-imlac-receive-an-unexpected-visit) Completes the tunnel with Rasselas; is joyful at escape but has less expectation of pleasure in the world due to prior experience. ### [XV: The Prince and Princess Leave the Valley, and See Many Wonders](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xv-the-prince-and-princess-leave-the-valley-and-see-many-wonders) Guides the escape, reassures the Prince and Princess, teaches them to behave as commoners, and arranges their travel to Cairo. ### [They Enter Cairo, and Find Every Man Happy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xvi-they-enter-cairo-and-find-every-man-happy) The poet and guide, who poses as a merchant, introduces the Prince to the world and warns him against trusting appearances of happiness. ### [The Prince Finds a Wise and Happy Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xviii-the-prince-finds-a-wise-and-happy-man) Warns Rasselas not to trust teachers of morality too hastily, noting they discourse like angels but live like men. ### [XIX: A Glimpse of Pastoral Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xix-a-glimpse-of-pastoral-life) Accompanies Rasselas and suggests observing the shepherds' life. ### [The Danger of Prosperity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xx-the-danger-of-prosperity) His eloquence catches the master's attention, and he participates in the conversation about the master's peril. ### [The Happiness of Solitude—The Hermit's History](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xxi-the-happiness-of-solitude-the-hermit-s-history) Introduces the purpose of their visit to the hermit. ### [The Happiness of a Life Led According to Nature](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xxii-the-happiness-of-a-life-led-according-to-nature) Present at the assembly, though not directly quoted in this excerpt. ### [The Prince and His Sister Divide Between Them the Work of Observation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xxiii-the-prince-and-his-sister-divide-between-them-the-work-of-observation) Imlac responds to Rasselas with new doubts and remarks that give no comfort. ### [The Princess Pursues Her Inquiry with More Diligence Than Success](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xxv-the-princess-pursues-her-inquiry-with-more-diligence-than-success) Mentioned as having accustomed Nekayah to deeper conversation, making her dissatisfied with childish levity. ### [The Princess Continues Her Remarks Upon Private Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xxvi-the-princess-continues-her-remarks-upon-private-life) Referenced by Nekayah as the source of the comparison between a kingdom and a family. ### [Disquisition Upon Greatness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xxvii-disquisition-upon-greatness) Imlac's earlier predictions are referenced by Rasselas as faint sketches compared to the evils Nekayah has painted. ### [XXIX: The Debate on Marriage Continued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xxix-the-debate-on-marriage-continued) Referenced by Nekayah as the source of the maxim that 'Nature sets her gifts on the right hand and on the left.' ### [Imlac Enters, and Changes the Conversation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xxx-imlac-enters-and-changes-the-conversation) Enters and changes the conversation, advocating for the study of history and ancient monuments as essential to understanding human life. ### [They Visit the Pyramids](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xxxi-they-visit-the-pyramids) Explains the pyramid's construction and the universal belief in apparitions of the dead. ### [XXXII: They Enter the Pyramid](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xxxii-they-enter-the-pyramid) Imlac leads the reflection on the Pyramid's purpose, contrasting it with the Great Wall and expounding on the vanity of human wishes. ### [The Princess Meets with an Unexpected Misfortune](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xxxiii-the-princess-meets-with-an-unexpected-misfortune) Imlac advises against violent pursuit, arguing that the Arabs' horses are superior and that leaving their station might lose the Princess without hope of regaining Pekuah. ### [They Return to Cairo Without Pekuah](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xxxiv-they-return-to-cairo-without-pekuah) Attempts to gain intelligence through private agents and consoles Nekayah with moral reasoning. ### [XXXV: The Princess Languishes for Want of Pekuah](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xxxv-the-princess-languishes-for-want-of-pekuah) Advises Nekayah against irrevocable determinations and urges her to re-engage with the world. ### [XXXVI: Pekuah Is Still Remembered. The Progress of Sorrow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xxxvi-pekuah-is-still-remembered-the-progress-of-sorrow) Nekayah solicits Imlac to continue inquiring after Pekuah, leaving no art of intelligence untried. ### [The Princess Hears News of Pekuah](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-princess-hears-news-of-pekuah) Advises caution regarding the messenger's veracity and the Arab's trustworthiness; arranges the ransom exchange at the monastery. ### [The Adventures of Pekuah Continued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xxxix-the-adventures-of-pekuah-continued) Comments on Pekuah's fortune in being released and praises her conversation. ### [The History of a Man of Learning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xl-the-history-of-a-man-of-learning) Warns Rasselas by recounting his visits to a learned astronomer, describing the astronomer's character and hidden sorrow. ### [The Astronomer Discovers the Cause of His Uneasiness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xli-the-astronomer-discovers-the-cause-of-his-uneasiness) Imlac is the confidant to whom the astronomer reveals his secret delusion. ### [The Opinion of the Astronomer Is Explained and Justified](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xlii-the-opinion-of-the-astronomer-is-explained-and-justified) Imlac listens to the astronomer's explanation and questions him about the origin of his delusion. ### [The Astronomer Leaves Imlac His Directions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xliii-the-astronomer-leaves-imlac-his-directions) Receives the astronomer's directions and later admonishes the ladies for mocking the astronomer's affliction. ### [XLIV: The Dangerous Prevalence of Imagination](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xliv-the-dangerous-prevalence-of-imagination) Delivers a discourse on the dangerous prevalence of imagination and its potential to become ungovernable. ### [They Discourse with an Old Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xlv-they-discourse-with-an-old-man) Smiles at the companions' self-comfort; recalls his own youthful confidence. ### [The Princess and Pekuah Visit the Astronomer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xlvi-the-princess-and-pekuah-visit-the-astronomer) Arranges the introduction, advises against deception, and later counsels the astronomer on overcoming his delusion. ### [The Prince Enters, and Brings a New Topic](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xlvii-the-prince-enters-and-brings-a-new-topic) Reassures the astronomer and engages in a debate about monastic life versus worldly virtue. ### [XLVIII: Imlac Discourses on the Nature of the Soul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xlviii-imlac-discourses-on-the-nature-of-the-soul) Discourses on the nature of the soul, arguing for its immateriality and natural imperishability, and defends reason against hypothetical possibilities. ### [The Conclusion, in Which Nothing Is Concluded](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/xlix-the-conclusion-in-which-nothing-is-concluded) Content to be driven along the stream of life without directing his course to any particular port. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/characters/imlac - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/characters