“Rasselas has claims to be regarded as its author’s most creative work. The journey of Rasselas and his companions from the ‘happy valley’ to study ‘the choice of life’ under the guidance of the old philosopher Imlac is not just a satire of optimism, but an expression of a complex truth about the human mind…”*
I do so love when English authors move away from their comfort zone and write a book not set in their native British isles. Written in the 1750’s, Rasselas is one such novel, and I intended to revel in Johnson’s imagination of an exotic climate and foreign culture. A little disappointed to find that Johnson tended to neglect the description of my interests, I still managed to salvage an interesting read – indeed, the exotic setting of Abissinia (modern day Ethiopia) and Egypt features little significance to the novel’s plot and purpose.
Indeed, readers need to keep in mind that Rasselas does not fit within the parameters of an adventure story, Bildungsroman or romance. It can be a little difficult to categorize Rasselas as a novel at all. Instead, Johnson uses the story to explore the meaning of life and the definition of happiness. Rasselas and the other characters rather act as foils to the author’s own questions, beliefs and arguments. In this way, one can see the intent of the author through the actions and adventures of Rasselas and his companions.
A few moments in the novel tickled me – what most stands to mind remains the interesting glimpse of African culture that Johnson shares. Or rather, Johnson’s perception of foreign culture, and his ideas on how this foreign culture perceives Europeans and European culture. Of course, Johnson uses the character Imlac to spout the superiorities of European life, and notes that Europeans appear much happier than their African counterparts. Hmm…
The most evidently notable part of this novel remains the ending – or rather, lack thereof. Unlike many contemporary novels (and past novels, for that matter), Johnson does not ‘end’ the lives of his characters by consigning them to absolute roles in their lives. Rasselas, Nekayah and Imlac do not marry, become fixed in a certain occupation or die. The final chapter of this book only marks the waypoint in Rasselas’ journey of life. For Johnson’s characters, their pursuit of knowledge continues – making this a fitting ending – the attainment of knowledge cannot ever be finished – instead it is unending.
Verdict: Not a classic in the literary sense – but enjoyable if you are up for philosophical dialogue. A reasonably enjoyable read if the reader can willingly think and dispute facts. This is less a novel than a medium for discussion and thought.
*Johson, Samuel. The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1968.