Comparing Johnson's History Of Rasselas And Self-Reliance

The fundamental question every human asks is “What is the meaning of life?” Fittingly, every philosopher, thinker, and literary wonder has attempted to synthesize an answer. Cliché responses talk about finding love, finding God, or finding happiness. Rarely though, does one hear or read a commentary on life that causes one to ponder. However, two such commentaries do come to mind, Samuel Johnson’s History of Rasselas and Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Self-Reliance. Both attempt to explain and analyze the meaning of life, and while they differ at times in their ideas, they ultimately cause the reader to think more critically about one’s meaning. Samuel Johnson, an acclaimed contributor to modern English literature, wrote the little-known novel, A History of Rasselas. Styled as a parable, it was published in 1759 and was immensely popular from the first. The book, originally titled The Choice of Life, sought to push the reader to contemplate the purpose and meaning of life. The novel begins with Rasselas and his siblings, the children of the emperor of Abissinia, are secluded in the “happy valley.” They are not able to leave this staggeringly beautiful place until the line of succession calls forth the eldest son, Rasselas. However, they are given everything they could ever desire and are …show more content…
While not explicitly addressing the question regarding the meaning of life, the lesson still remains visible. Emerson’s piece explains to the reader how one should live one’s life and provides instruction on ensuring that one’s life is a life worth lived. The essay contains a thorough statement of Emerson’s emphasis on the need for individuals to avoid conformity and false consistency, and instead follow their own instincts and ideas. And, if one accomplishes Emerson’s goal, he will have achieved an understanding of the meaning or purpose of his