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What ideas about human life are explored in Samuel Johnson’s Rasselas?
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Samuel Johnson
Samuel Johnson, oil on canvas by Sir Joshua Reynolds, c. 1756; in the National Portrait Gallery, London.
In his philosophical romance Rasselas, Samuel Johnson explores the inherent vanity and futility of the human pursuit of happiness. Through the journey of Prince Rasselas, who seeks to make a thoughtful "choice of life," the narrative reveals that complete satisfaction is elusive regardless of one's occupation or social standing.12
Key themes regarding human life include:
- The Illusion of Happiness: Johnson exposes the "phantoms of hope" that lead individuals to believe that a specific lifestyle or status will provide lasting contentment. Whether observing rulers, scholars, shepherds, or hermits, the characters find that every mode of life is marked by disappointment and disillusionment.12
- The Neglect of Living: A central moral of the work is that while individuals are preoccupied with choosing the perfect path, they often "neglect to live" in the present.1
- The Conclusion in Which Nothing is Concluded: By satirizing wish-fulfilling daydreams, Johnson suggests that human desires for perfect happiness are fundamentally incompatible with reality. Ultimately, the characters shift their focus from the "choice of life" to the "choice of eternity," acknowledging the limitations of earthly existence.2