The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia
The Prince of Abyssinia, who becomes discontented with the perfect but monotonous life in the Happy Valley.
Description of a Palace in a Valley
Introduced as the fourth son of the Emperor of Abyssinia, confined in the Happy Valley until called to the throne.
II: The Discontent of Rasselas in the Happy Valley
In the twenty-sixth year of his age, Rasselas begins to withdraw from pleasures, meditates on the difference between man and beast, and expresses a latent desire for something beyond the Happy Valley.
III: The Wants of Him That Wants Nothing
Expresses his discontent and the paradox of wanting nothing, leading him to desire seeing the world's miseries.
IV: The Prince Continues to Grieve and Muse
Rasselas experiences a flicker of hope in his youth, then spends twenty months in idle fantasy before reproaching himself for inaction and resolving to escape.
The Prince Meditates His Escape
The prince actively searches for an escape route, climbing mountains, examining the gate, and exploring the cavern, but finds all ways blocked. He remains hopeful despite ten months of fruitless efforts.
VI: A Dissertation on the Art of Flying
Visits the artist, expresses curiosity and skepticism about flying, and hopes the invention might aid his escape.
The Prince Finds a Man of Learning
Persists in his design to escape the Happy Valley, suffers from discontent, and eagerly engages Imlac for knowledge of the world.
The History of Imlac
Interrupts Imlac's narrative with passionate objections to oppression and questions about his father's inconsistencies.
The History of Imlac Continued
Interrupts Imlac to question the motives behind human depravity and fraud.
Imlac's History Continued—A Dissertation Upon Poetry
The Prince interjects with a comment on the vastness of nature, noting that even within the Happy Valley he continually discovers new things.
XI: Imlac’s History Continued—A Hint of Pilgrimage
Expresses a desire to visit Palestine and questions Imlac about the happiness of European nations.
The Story of Imlac Continued
The Prince confesses his discontent and long-meditated plan to escape the Happy Valley, seeking Imlac's guidance.
XIII: Rasselas Discovers the Means of Escape
The Prince, now relieved to have a companion, eagerly pursues escape and is initially discouraged but encouraged by Imlac.
XIV: Rasselas and Imlac Receive an Unexpected Visit
Discovers Nekayah at the mouth of the cavity and decides to confide in her, agreeing to her request to join the escape.
XV: The Prince and Princess Leave the Valley, and See Many Wonders
Leads the escape from the Happy Valley, conceals his fear, and learns to adapt to common life under Imlac's guidance.
They Enter Cairo, and Find Every Man Happy
The Prince, initially deceived by the apparent happiness of others, confesses his own restlessness and learns that gaiety may be counterfeit.
The Prince Associates with Young Men of Spirit and Gaiety
Rasselas joins young men of spirit and gaiety, becomes weary and disgusted, and attempts to remonstrate with them about their lifestyle.
The Prince Finds a Wise and Happy Man
Seeks a wise and happy man, attends the philosopher's lecture, and later confronts the philosopher's grief.
XIX: A Glimpse of Pastoral Life
Eager to continue his inquiry into happiness, he proposes visiting the hermit.
The Danger of Prosperity
Observes the master's happiness and hopes to find what he seeks, but learns of the danger of prosperity.
The Happiness of Solitude—The Hermit's History
Seeks the hermit's direction in the choice of life.
The Happiness of a Life Led According to Nature
Relates his interview with the hermit to the assembly and humbly asks the philosopher to define living according to Nature.
The Prince and His Sister Divide Between Them the Work of Observation
Rasselas returns home full of reflections, doubts his future steps, and communicates his observations to Imlac and his sister.
The Prince Examines the Happiness of High Stations
Visits the Bassa's court to observe the happiness of high stations, witnesses the treachery and downfall of the Bassa.
The Princess Pursues Her Inquiry with More Diligence Than Success
Rasselas meets with Nekayah in the evening summerhouse and compares her findings to his own observations in Courts.
The Princess Continues Her Remarks Upon Private Life
Listens to his sister's remarks and expresses doubt and confusion about the best course of life.
Disquisition Upon Greatness
Rasselas argues that greatness and power do not bring happiness, citing the inevitable opposition, betrayal, and injustice faced by those in high stations.
Rasselas and Nekayah Continue Their Conversation
Argues that marriage is a dictate of nature and a means to happiness, cautioning against exaggerating evils.
XXIX: The Debate on Marriage Continued
Argues that marriage can be made happy through prudence and benevolence, and that early marriages often lead to disappointment.
Imlac Enters, and Changes the Conversation
Expresses discouragement after hearing Nekayah's history of private life, but agrees to see all that deserves his search.
They Visit the Pyramids
Reassures Pekuah about the dead, promising safety from apparitions.
XXXII: They Enter the Pyramid
Rasselas is present among those who enter the Pyramid and hear Imlac's discourse.
The Princess Meets with an Unexpected Misfortune
In the first heat of resentment, Rasselas orders his servants to follow him and prepares to pursue the robbers, but is restrained by Imlac.
They Return to Cairo Without Pekuah
Presents a memorial to the Bassa seeking redress for the kidnapping.
XXXV: The Princess Languishes for Want of Pekuah
Tries to comfort and divert Nekayah; secures her promise to wait a year before any unalterable resolution.
The Princess Hears News of Pekuah
Desires to accompany Imlac to the Arab's fortress but is dissuaded by his sister and Imlac.
The Adventures of Pekuah Continued
Asks about the Arab's seraglio and rewards Pekuah with a hundred ounces of gold after her story.
The History of a Man of Learning
Declares his intention to devote himself to science and literary solitude.
The Astronomer Leaves Imlac His Directions
Listens to the astronomer's narration with serious regard and inquires about the frequency of such mental maladies.
XLIV: The Dangerous Prevalence of Imagination
Confesses his indulgence in imagining a perfect government, even to the point of contemplating the death of his father and brothers.
They Discourse with an Old Man
Consoles himself that if age can be calm, youth may be happy.
The Princess and Pekuah Visit the Astronomer
Objects to deceiving the astronomer, later becomes convinced of the astronomer's integrity and seeks his opinion on the choice of life.
The Prince Enters, and Brings a New Topic
Enters with the Princess and Pekuah, proposes a visit to the catacombs, and reflects on the need for variety.
XLVIII: Imlac Discourses on the Nature of the Soul
Questions how anything without extension can be conceived and later reflects on the shortness of life, urging the party to remember the choice of life.
The Conclusion, in Which Nothing Is Concluded
Desires a little kingdom to administer justice personally, but cannot fix its limits.
