Ambition

Definition

Ambition is the strong desire to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. In literature, especially in the Gothic genre, ambition often manifests as a driving force behind characters' actions, leading them to pursue power, knowledge, or revenge. This intense pursuit can lead to both personal fulfillment and disastrous consequences, reflecting the duality of human desires and moral dilemmas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Gothic literature, ambition is often portrayed as a corrupting force, leading characters to make morally questionable choices.
2. Characters driven by ambition may encounter supernatural elements that challenge their desires and expose their vulnerabilities.
3. Ambition in the Gothic novel frequently intersects with themes of isolation and madness, reflecting the psychological toll of relentless pursuit.
4. The consequences of ambition are often catastrophic for characters in Gothic novels, showcasing the theme of the tragic hero who succumbs to their own desires.
5. Ambition is not just a personal trait; it can symbolize broader societal issues, such as class struggle or the quest for power in a changing world.

Review Questions

• How does ambition serve as a driving force for characters in Gothic literature, and what are its implications?
  • Ambition acts as a powerful motivator for characters in Gothic literature, pushing them toward extreme actions that reflect their deepest desires. This drive often leads to significant moral dilemmas and conflicts, as characters grapple with the consequences of their ambitions. The implications of this ambition are profound, revealing how the quest for power or knowledge can lead to isolation, madness, or even death.
• Analyze how ambition is depicted as a corrupting force in Gothic novels and provide examples.
  • In Gothic novels, ambition is frequently depicted as a corrupting influence that distorts characters’ morals and leads them to commit heinous acts. For instance, in works like Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein,' Victor Frankenstein's ambition to unlock the secrets of life results in tragic consequences for himself and those around him. This portrayal emphasizes how unchecked ambition can spiral into obsession and destruction.
• Evaluate the relationship between ambition and themes of isolation and madness in the context of Gothic literature.
  • In Gothic literature, there is a strong relationship between ambition and themes of isolation and madness. Characters who pursue their ambitions relentlessly often find themselves alienated from society and increasingly consumed by their desires. This isolation can exacerbate their mental state, leading to madness as they confront the fallout from their ambitions. Analyzing this dynamic highlights how ambition can distort reality and unravel an individual's sense of self.

Related terms

Hubris: Excessive pride or self-confidence that often leads to a character's downfall, commonly found in tragic narratives.

Desire: A deep longing or wish for something, often fueling ambition and motivating characters to take significant risks.

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces in a narrative, which can be internal (within a character) or external (between characters or forces), often intensified by ambition.