Rudolf
Ressendyll
Introduction
Rudolf Rassendyll is the hero and
central character of the novel entitled The Prisoner of Zenda, written by
Anthony Hope. The integral character of Rassendyll holds the attention of the
readers throughout the exciting events of the novel. Rassendyll possesses a
prime personality and is linked with the main incidents of the novel in one way
or the other.
Various
Aspects of His Role
Rudolf Rassendyll is a tall, young
and handsome man, who belongs to a noble family in England. He is an educated
man of twenty-nine, who has perfect command over German and French. He is bold,
cultural and knows the art of becoming popular. He has red hair, straight nose,
blue eyes and a beard. His physical appearance bears striking resemblance to
that of the real king, though there were some points of differences. Rassendyll
himself pointed out:
“The king’s face was slightly more fleshy than mine, the oval of its
contour the least trifle more pronounced and his mouth lacking something of the
firmness which was to be gathered from my close-shutting lips.”
However, in spite of these
differences, Colonel Sapt could not help mentioning to Rassendyll:
“You’re an Elphberg, every inch of you.”
Adventure
Rudolf Rassendyll is very fond of
adventures and loves to roam about instead of sticking to a job. He is also a
good mastermind who handles difficult situations seeming effortless. The desire
to participate in sensational events is always there in his heart. This desire
was fulfilled by his play-acting of King Rudolf Elphberg, who was very
identical to him. His likeness with the king of Ruritania helped him to make
his mission a success. He pledges in strong and unequivocal terms:
“I have been an imposter for the profit of another, but I will not be
one for my own; and if the king is not alive and on his throne before the day
of betrothal comes I will tell the truth, come what may.”
Wisdom and
Prudence
Rudolf Rassendyll proves himself to
be a man of outstanding attributes and full of wisdom. He plays the role of the
king very intelligently. Once he gets entangled in Ruritanian politics, he
becomes conscious not only of the significance of his royal position but also
of the responsibility, which lies on his shoulders. He is a wise, cool minded
and responsible man.
Faithfulness
and Sincerity
Rudolf Rassendyll is a sincere man.
He does not want to keep the throne to himself. He carries out all his
responsibilities with firmness and confidence. He realizes that it is his duty
to restore the real king to the throne and he never tries to take undue
advantage as a pretender. His veracity and sincerity is outstanding as he
declares:
“If I’m found out, I’ ll make a clean breast of it, and fight it out
with the Duke.”
Boldness and
Courage
Rudolf Rassendyll is supposed to be
gifted with extraordinary courage and chivalry, and does not fall short of our
expectations in this matter. He is an expert rider and an excellent sword man.
When time and fate offered Rassendyll a challenge, he accepted him as a brave
man. His stay in Ruritania unfolds his marvelous sense of responsibility,
boldness and wisdom. The role played by him in Ruritania to save the throne
from Black Michael was really an act of gallantry and wisdom.
Romance
The romantic aspect of Rassendyll’s
personality shows that his heart throbs for Princess Flavia but the sense of
duty and devotion to the throne is far stronger in him. The circumstances urge
him to express love to Princess Flavia but bot to feel it. Being deeply
conscious of his responsibility and dedication, he declares:
“I had to keep the princess devoted to me and yet indifferent to me; I
had to show affection for her and not feel it.”
The Great
Sacrifice
In order to maintain peace in
Ruritania and not to disgrace the royal family, Rudolf Rassendyll took a
sensible and daring step. He sacrificed his love at the altar of duty and left
Ruritania with tears of regret in the eyes of Princess Flavia, words of
gratitude on the lips of king, applause and appreciation from all the
countrymen and feeling of satisfaction on his own part.
“There is no moral authority like that of sacrifice.”
– Nadine Gordimer
– Nadine Gordimer
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