Ambition and Sacrifice

Where it surfaces

• I: Mike

  Mike's ambition to excel at cricket is evident, and the family discusses the sacrifices and hard work needed to achieve a place on the school team.

• At the Nets

  Mike's determination to succeed in cricket, practicing and seizing opportunities to advance in the school hierarchy.

• VII: In Which Mike Is Discussed

  Bob and Mike's cricket ambitions are discussed, with Mike being seen as a future star who may eclipse his brother.

• Mike Gets His Chance

  Mike's dream of playing for the first eleven is jeopardized by his punishment for the picnic row, highlighting the tension between personal ambition and the consequences of one's actions.

• The M.C.C. Match

  Mike's focus on staying at the wicket and playing for the draw reflects his ambition to prove himself, sacrificing aggressive strokes for the team's cause.

• A Slight Imbroglio

  Mike's rapid rise in cricket leads to overconfidence and a clash with authority.

• Mike Creates a Vacancy

  Mike fakes an injury to sacrifice his own place in the match for Bob's benefit.

• An Expert Examination

  Mike gives up his chance to play in an important match for Bob's sake, demonstrating personal sacrifice for a sibling's ambition.

• Another Vacancy

  Mike's patience and hope for a chance to play, and Bob's willingness to change positions, reflect the sacrifices and ambitions tied to team success.

• Bob Has News to Impart

  Mike's ambition to make the First Eleven is realized, but it comes at the cost of Bob's disappointment; both characters face the sacrifices inherent in competitive sports.

• The Team Is Filled Up

  Mike's ambition to earn his colours is crushed by Burgess's decision, while Bob's personal ambition conflicts with his loyalty to the school.

• XXI: Marjory the Frank

  Mike's decision to fake an injury to give Bob a chance in the school match highlights the theme of personal sacrifice for a friend's ambition.

• XXII: Wyatt Is Reminded of an Engagement

  Mike's silent sacrifice for Bob's place on the team contrasts with Bob's discomfort and Burgess's pragmatic focus on winning.

• XXVI: The Aftermath

  Wyatt's expulsion sacrifices his cricket career, and Burgess must sacrifice team strength for the Ripton match.

• The Ripton Match

  Mike's intense desire to earn his first eleven colours drives his nervousness and focus on the Ripton match.

• Mike Wins Home

  Mike's determination to win drives him to take risks and shoulder the team's burden, reflecting the sacrifices required for success.

• Mr. Jackson Makes Up His Mind

  Mike's cricketing ambition is thwarted by his father's decision to prioritize academic discipline, forcing him to sacrifice his role as captain and his place at Wrykyn.

• XXXI: Sedleigh

  Mike's ambition to lead Wrykyn cricket is thwarted by his forced transfer, highlighting the sacrifice of personal goals due to circumstances.

• Psmith

  Both Mike and Psmith are sent to Sedleigh due to their fathers' ambitions for them to win Balliol scholarships, sacrificing their previous schools.

• Adair

  Adair's relentless dedication to improving Sedleigh's standing in sports exemplifies ambition and personal sacrifice for the school's future.

• Mike Finds Occupation

  Mike sacrifices his cricket ambitions at Sedleigh due to pride, but secretly seeks the game elsewhere.

• The Match with Downing’s

  Mike's refusal to play for Sedleigh despite his talent reflects his personal ambition and sacrifice for his own standards.

• The Singular Behavior of Jellicoe

  Mike's record innings is a personal triumph, but he pays the price with physical exhaustion and the loss of his postal order.

• XLII: Jellicoe Goes on the Sick-List

  Mike's cricketing abilities are concealed, leading to conflict with Mr. Downing, who criticizes him for not placing his talents at the school's disposal.

• Mike Receives a Commission

  Mike sacrifices his own comfort and safety to fulfill a promise, reflecting a sense of responsibility.

• The Kettle Method

  Adair's relentless drive for cricket excellence clashes with the players' unwillingness to sacrifice comfort for the team.

• Adair Has a Word with Mike

  Adair's insistence on early-morning practice and playing for the school reflects his ambition for Sedleigh's cricket success, demanding sacrifice from others.

• Clearing the Air

  Both Mike and Psmith sacrificed their cricket ambitions (Mike the Wrykyn captaincy, Psmith the Eton eleven) and now reconsider playing for Sedleigh.

• In Which Peace Is Declared

  Adair's dedication to Sedleigh's cricket and his willingness to play despite injury reflect ambition and sacrifice for the team.

• Sedleigh v. Wrykyn

  Adair's relentless drive to build Sedleigh cricket, and Mike's conflicted loyalty playing against his old school, highlight the theme.