# Ambition and Vanity in Dangerous Ages

> Theme guide for Dangerous Ages by Rose Macaulay.

Neville's confession of her 'damnable ambition' and vanity about her mind and looks drives much of her anxiety, contrasting with Pamela's quieter acceptance and highlighting the pain of unfulfilled potential.

## Where it surfaces

- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/i): Neville envies Rodney's achievements yet recognizes his own burning ambitions; she reflects on the vanity of wanting more than one can have.
- [III: Family Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/iii-family-life): Neville's vanity about her past cleverness and her struggle with indolence reflect the tension between ambition and self-indulgence.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/ii): Neville's internal conflict between her desire to succeed in medicine and her indolent, flirtatious past reflects themes of ambition and self-perceived vanity.
- [The Pace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/ix-the-pace): Gerda's determination to match Nan's feats, driven by a desire for Barry's admiration and a point of honor between the women.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/ii): Gerda's ambitious attempts to dive from high rocks, despite her fear and physical discomfort, highlight a vanity-driven desire to prove herself.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/v): Nan's pride and competitive spirit drive her to reckless acts, reflecting a vanity in proving her mettle over Gerda.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/vii): Gerda's reckless ride is driven by a desire to match Nan's daring and earn Barry's admiration, highlighting her ambition and vanity.
- [XI: That Which Remains](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/xi-that-which-remains): Neville's struggle with her desire to work and count, and her admission of vanity about mind and body.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/i): Neville mourns her lost dream of becoming a doctor and admits her vanity about her mind and body, linking it to her sense of self-worth.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/ii): Neville dismisses ambitions and 'doing one's bit' as tedious inanities, reflecting a critique of vanity.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/i): Neville confesses her 'damnable ambition' and desire to 'count, to make a name,' which she considers despicable but undeniable.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/ii): Neville is described as a 'spoilt, vain, ambitious, disappointed egoist' who must subjugate her self.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/themes/ambition_and_vanity
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/themes