THE DIDACTIC NOVEL

The Didactic Novel

The didactic novel is best represented by Dr. Johnson's The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia (1759). In it Johnson uses the framework of exotic tale. Rasselas grows weary of the happy valley of Abyssinia. He tells the philosopher Imlac about his discontent. But the prince is adamant; he desires to escape and see the world outside to know the secret of content. At last the prince leaves the happy valley, accompanied by his sister and Imlac and goes to Egypt. They study the various aspects of social life in Cario. Rasselas mixes with the youth but finds that the laughter of the youths is without motives. So he recoils from their society, weary and disgusted. Then the prince turns to the teachers of morality. He is again disillusioned for he finds that "they discourse like angels, but they live like men". While the prince studies the public life, the princes mixes with the members of private families who are enchanted by her charm and beauty. She finds that imperious husbands, perverse wives, disobedient children alike contribute to domestic unhappiness. The party come to conclusion that man is nowhere happy and virtue is nowhere to be found, and return to Abyssinia.
The historical importance of Rasselas lies in the fact that it is the first example of a novel consisting of a series of philosophical essays strung on a thin thread of story. The novel is set in an oriental setting. No attempt is made to reproduce the life atmosphere, manners, customs of the Far East. The novel seems to be a warning to those who listen with credulity to the whispers of fancy and pursue with eagerness the phantoms of hope.