Rasselas is a philosophical novel written by Samuel Johnson in 1759. It tells the story of Prince Rasselas and his journey in search of the secret to happiness. The novel follows the adventures of Rasselas and his companions as they explore various topics such as the search for knowledge and freedom, the reality of death, and the nature of human desire. Rasselas has become one of the most famous works of literature in English, and it is often studied in schools and universities around the world. The novel is often studied in the context of its philosophical messages, its use of irony, and its exploration of the human condition. Its themes and ideas are often expanded upon in lectures, book reviews, and analysis. SparkNotes provides extensive summaries and analysis for each chapter of the novel, as well as information about its background and author. There are also various quizzes and study resources that can be used to help increase understanding of the text. SparkNotes also includes discussion questions and essay topics to guide further exploration of Rasselas.