Ambition vs. Duty

Where it surfaces

• I

  Vincent's personal ambition to be part of fashionable society conflicts with his pastoral duty to engage with his congregation on their own terms, as seen in his reluctance to attend Mrs. Tozer's tea and his discomfort with the social expectations placed upon him.

• II

  Vincent struggles between his duty to his flock and his personal ambition for a more elevated social and intellectual life, a conflict that pervades his thoughts throughout the chapter.

• IV

  Vincent's internal conflict between his intellectual aspirations and the mundane expectations of his congregation is highlighted, especially his disgust at being measured by seat-letting and butter-shop support.

• VI

  Vincent's social aspirations and romantic desires pull him away from his ministerial responsibilities, as he dreams of entering Lady Western's world.

• VII

  Vincent's romantic reveries cause him to shirk his pastoral responsibilities; after his humiliation, he resolves to channel his ambition into raising Salem's fame.

• VIII

  Vincent's personal ambition and wounded pride fuel his public duty as a minister, blurring the line between genuine conviction and personal grievance.

• XII

  Arthur is torn between his duty to investigate Fordham and his desire to attend Lady Western's dinner, reflecting his social ambitions.

• XV

  Arthur feels torn between his personal anguish and his duty to preach at Salem, highlighting the conflict between individual desires and professional obligations.

• XVIII

  Mr. Beecher's self-interested thoughts about replacing Vincent contrast with Vincent's duty to his family and congregation.

• The Midnight Train

  Vincent's duty to rescue Susan conflicts with his personal jealousy and obsession with Lady Western.

• XX

  Vincent's neglect of his ministerial duties on Sunday highlights the conflict between his personal crisis and his professional obligations.

• XXV

  Vincent contemplates abandoning his ministry and fleeing Carlingford, torn between personal ambition and his duty to his family.

• Chapter XXVI

  Vincent's personal feelings and professional standing clash as he faces the ruin of his ministry at Salem.

• Chapter XXVII

  Vincent's internal conflict between his personal anguish and the professional obligation to deliver a sermon.

• XXXI

  Vincent struggles between his desire for personal comfort and his obligation to visit the Salem congregation, reflecting the tension between ambition and duty.

• XXXIII

  Tozer's concern for the chapel's growth and Vincent's pride in his preaching clash with the pastoral duty of visiting the flock, highlighting the tension between personal ambition and congregational expectations.

• Chapter XXXIV

  Vincent retreats into writing elaborate sermons, torn between his duty to the congregation and his personal ambition to be recognized as a learned minister, while the congregation expects pastoral engagement.

• XXXV

  Vincent's humiliation at Lady Western's presence reflects his personal ambition and desire for approval, conflicting with his pastoral duty.

• The Meeting at Salem

  Tozer argues that Vincent's success in building the chapel is undermined by those who prioritize social visits over pastoral duty, highlighting the conflict between ambition and congregational expectations.

• XXXVIII

  Vincent's internal conflict between accepting the congregation's support and pursuing his own path reflects the tension between personal ambition and pastoral duty.

• XL

  Vincent's personal despair clashes with his pastoral duties, as Tozer urges him to focus on the church meeting while Vincent is consumed by heartbreak.

• XLII

  Vincent's resignation speech highlights his internal conflict between his duty to the congregation and his personal convictions about the nature of his calling.

• XLIII

  Arthur Vincent chooses to resign his pulpit despite the congregation's offers, prioritizing his personal convictions and literary ambitions over the duty to remain as minister.