rasselas

e’s challenges. Imlac, the philosopher and guide, represents the voice of moderation, advising the prince and princess to temper their desires and accept life’s uncertainties. This pragmatic approach underscores Johnson’s belief that wisdom lies in reco

isolated but known in Europe through trade and missionary activity. The portrayal of Rasselas as a prince from this distant and exotic land played into contemporary European fascination with the “Orient” and the idea of distant wisdom. Johnson’s choice of Abyssinia lent the story an