# The Search for Purpose in Gladiator

> Theme guide for Gladiator by Philip Wylie.

Hugo struggles throughout his life to find a noble or meaningful use for his powers, attempting roles as an athlete, soldier, laborer, and would-be political reformer. Each endeavor fails, leaving him disillusioned and questioning his reason for existence.

## Where it surfaces

- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gladiator_se/chapters/v): Hugo's decision to leave Indian Creek and attend Webster University reflects his search for a new direction after the affair leaves him disgusted and tired of his hometown.
- [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gladiator_se/chapters/viii): Hugo confides in Mitchel about his inability to find a meaningful use for his strength, feeling doomed to a life without application or audience.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gladiator_se/chapters/ix): Hugo's longing to use his powers for meaningful achievement, contrasted with the futility he feels in a world that cannot understand or appreciate him.
- [The Pearl Diver and the Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gladiator_se/chapters/x): After his failure at Webster, Hugo wanders aimlessly, then finds a new direction through rescues and pearl diving, building a fortune and a sense of meaning.
- [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gladiator_se/chapters/xi): Hugo believes war is the task 'designed for his undertaking,' giving meaning to his superhuman abilities.
- [The Armistice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gladiator_se/chapters/xv): Hugo's contemplation of a suicidal mission and his subsequent relief at the Armistice reflect his struggle to find meaning in the carnage.
- [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gladiator_se/chapters/xxi): Hugo seeks a grand mission in Washington, first targeting arms dealers, then radicals, but finds his efforts thwarted by cynicism and practicality.
- [Chapter XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gladiator_se/chapters/xxii): Hugo's philosophical reflection on his lack of purpose and his decision to leave civilization in search of a new dream.
- [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gladiator_se/chapters/xxiii): Hugo's entire journey in this chapter—from deciding to join the expedition to envisioning a new race, then recoiling in doubt—centers on his desperate search for a meaningful role in the world.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gladiator_se/themes/search_for_purpose
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gladiator_se/themes