# How does The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia develop the theme of The Choice of Life?

> The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia by Samuel Johnson

## Answer

The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia by Samuel Johnson develops The Choice of Life across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

The philosophical dilemma of selecting a mode of existence, as Rasselas systematically examines different conditions (courtiers, shepherds, monks, scholars) only to conclude that no single way of life guarantees happiness and that choice itself is constrained by circumstance.

The valley's inhabitants are deprived of choice, living in a predetermined state of blissful captivity, which sets the stage for Rasselas's eventual quest for a meaningful life.

Rasselas's desire for something to pursue sets the stage for his eventual choice to leave the Happy Valley.

Rasselas grapples with the choice between passive dreaming and active pursuit of his goals, ultimately deciding to escape.

## Evidence

- [i-description-of-a-palace-in-a-valley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/i-description-of-a-palace-in-a-valley.md): The valley's inhabitants are deprived of choice, living in a predetermined state of blissful captivity, which sets the stage for Rasselas's eventual quest for a meaningful life.
- [iii-the-wants-of-him-that-wants-nothing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/iii-the-wants-of-him-that-wants-nothing.md): Rasselas's desire for something to pursue sets the stage for his eventual choice to leave the Happy Valley.
- [iv-the-prince-continues-to-grieve-and-muse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/iv-the-prince-continues-to-grieve-and-muse.md): Rasselas grapples with the choice between passive dreaming and active pursuit of his goals, ultimately deciding to escape.
- [v-the-prince-meditates-his-escape](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/v-the-prince-meditates-his-escape.md): Rasselas's active pursuit of escape and his resolve to keep his design in view illustrate the theme of choosing one's own path, even when obstacles seem insurmountable.
- [viii-the-history-of-imlac](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/chapters/viii-the-history-of-imlac.md): Imlac chooses the life of a scholar and traveler over the mercantile path his father intended.
- [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.md): Rasselas actively chooses to escape the Happy Valley, seeking a life beyond its confines.
- [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.md): The Prince and Princess actively choose to leave the valley and embark on a journey of discovery, facing the unknown and learning to adapt.
- [xvi-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.md): Rasselas seeks to observe all conditions of humanity in Cairo to make an informed choice of life, but finds that appearances are deceptive.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/questions/how-the-choice-of-life
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se
- All questions: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_rasselas_prince_of_abyssinia_se/questions