Throughout Rasselas, Samuel Johnson makes a point to illustrate the relationship between circumstances and overall happiness. One of the key points lies within Rasselas’ “choice of life,” as we find out over the course of the narrative that a person cannot simply choose a good life.
In the beginning of the story, Rasselas lives a peaceful and very easy existence as the prince of Abyssinia. The valley is depicted as perfect and beautiful, and completely safe (and secluded) from the world outside it. Rasselas himself grows bored and weary of his seemingly perfect life in which he wants for nothing. He believes that seeing the world outside the walls of the valley will give him purpose in life.
Rasselas meets one of the artists of the valley, …show more content…
It comes as no surprise that Johnson does not advocate this way of living. The second type is a teacher of Stoicism who places very little value on sentiments and feelings and strives to control himself in every way. However, this lifestyle is refuted as well, when it becomes clear (after the teacher’s child dies) that total control of emotional reaction is an unattainable goal. It is an example of one failing to maintain standards of the path in which they chose for …show more content…
He applauds her plan and they go on their ways. Rasselas notices how all the wealthy men in the inner circle of the Bassa are steeped in envy and spend their time manipulating others. Rasselas wonders if only the man with the highest power in the land could be happy, but shortly after his musings, the Sultan is assassinated. Nekayah is unimpressed with the various families with which she spends her time. She discovers frequent strife amongst members of families, and says that the poor people of the land seek to shroud their poverty from the eyes of others. Both classes have their pros and cons. With power comes danger, and the ever-present threat of envious people who would hope to steal ones wealth or position in life. With family life comes less wealth, and often arguments amongst family. The siblings also discuss celibacy versus marriage, and it is clear that Johnson himself advocates marriage over the former, when Rasselas has the final word: “Marriage has many pains, but celibacy has no pleasures” (p.
In the beginning of the story, Rasselas lives a peaceful and very easy existence as the prince of Abyssinia. The valley is depicted as perfect and beautiful, and completely safe (and secluded) from the world outside it. Rasselas himself grows bored and weary of his seemingly perfect life in which he wants for nothing. He believes that seeing the world outside the walls of the valley will give him purpose in life.
Rasselas meets one of the artists of the valley, …show more content…
It comes as no surprise that Johnson does not advocate this way of living. The second type is a teacher of Stoicism who places very little value on sentiments and feelings and strives to control himself in every way. However, this lifestyle is refuted as well, when it becomes clear (after the teacher’s child dies) that total control of emotional reaction is an unattainable goal. It is an example of one failing to maintain standards of the path in which they chose for …show more content…
He applauds her plan and they go on their ways. Rasselas notices how all the wealthy men in the inner circle of the Bassa are steeped in envy and spend their time manipulating others. Rasselas wonders if only the man with the highest power in the land could be happy, but shortly after his musings, the Sultan is assassinated. Nekayah is unimpressed with the various families with which she spends her time. She discovers frequent strife amongst members of families, and says that the poor people of the land seek to shroud their poverty from the eyes of others. Both classes have their pros and cons. With power comes danger, and the ever-present threat of envious people who would hope to steal ones wealth or position in life. With family life comes less wealth, and often arguments amongst family. The siblings also discuss celibacy versus marriage, and it is clear that Johnson himself advocates marriage over the former, when Rasselas has the final word: “Marriage has many pains, but celibacy has no pleasures” (p.