# Ambition and Failure in Short Fiction

> Theme guide for Short Fiction by O. Henry.

Characters strive for artistic, financial, or social success, often meeting with failure or ironic outcomes, as in the poet's tragic triumph and death, the ruined man's hidden rake-off, and the aspiring manager's schemes, highlighting the gap between aspiration and reality.

## Where it surfaces

- [No Help for It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/no-help-for-it): John's reluctance to accept the promotion highlights the tension between ambition and the fear of failure or increased responsibility.
- [A Valedictory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/a-valedictory): The narrator's ambition to sustain a long-lasting literary light is thwarted, leading to a humorous but poignant reflection on failure and the fleeting nature of success.
- [A Houston Romance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/a-houston-romance): His pursuit of perfect fashion ultimately fails to bring happiness, driving him to seek fulfillment in monastic simplicity.
- [Nothing New Under the Sun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/nothing-new-under-the-sun): The protagonist's intense ambition to create an original work leads to a devastating failure when he discovers his idea was not unique.
- [City Perils](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/city-perils): Dilworthy's failed promise to his wife and his subsequent downfall illustrate the theme of personal ambition undermined by weakness.
- [Binkley's Practical School of Journalism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/binkley-s-practical-school-of-journalism): Binkley's ambitious scheme to profit from a journalism school ends in financial ruin and personal disgrace.
- [The Apple](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-apple): The youth's relentless pursuit of success leads to a bitter, rotten outcome, illustrating the failure inherent in ambition divorced from life's simple joys.
- [How Willie Saved Father](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/how-willie-saved-father): Mr. Flint's relentless work ethic and ambition to provide for his family ultimately contribute to his illness and ironic demise.
- [Fox-in-the-Morning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/fox-in-the-morning): Goodwin and Keogh's ambition to seize power and wealth contrasts with the president's failed escape, reflecting the precarious nature of political success.
- [Cupid's Exile Number Two](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/cupid-s-exile-number-two): Johnny's romantic failure leads him to a political appointment, but he shows no ambition to work, only to escape.
- [The Admiral](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-admiral): Felipe Carrera, though given the grand title of Admiral, receives no salary, crew, or orders, illustrating the gap between official ambition and practical reality.
- [The Flag Paramount](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-flag-paramount): Sabas's revolutionary ambitions fail, but his collector's passion triumphs; the admiral's deluded loyalty ends in death.
- [The Remnants of the Code](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-remnants-of-the-code): Blythe's failed attempts to maintain his respectable facade and his ultimate descent into blackmail illustrate the theme of ambition leading to failure.
- [Ships](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/ships): Keogh's pursuit of 'graft' and Johnny's eventual rejection of the lotus life for domesticity highlight the tension between ambition and contentment.
- [Masters of Arts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/masters-of-arts): White's ambition to create transcendent art clashes with the commercial scheme, leading to the destruction of both the painting and the payment.
- [Rouge Et Noir](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/rouge-et-noir): President Losada's ambition to squeeze the Vesuvius Fruit Company leads to his downfall, while the Vesuvius Company's ambition to remove the banana duty succeeds through a carefully orchestrated coup.
- [Bulger's Friend](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/bulger-s-friend): Bulger's internal struggle to give up his 'friend' represents a failed attempt at spiritual peace until he finally succeeds through his donation.
- [A Blackjack Bargainer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/a-blackjack-bargainer): Yancey Goree's ambition has led to ruin, while the Garveys' ambition for social climbing drives the plot.
- [The Passing of Black Eagle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-passing-of-black-eagle): Black Eagle's rise to fame within the gang leads to Bud King's waning authority and internal conflict, foreshadowing the band's potential downfall.
- [A Call Loan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/a-call-loan): Longley's ambition as a cattleman and banker leads to a risky loan that nearly results in legal failure, but his trust in Merwin's word ultimately averts disaster.
- [The Cactus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-cactus): Trysdale's ambition to appear superior and his subsequent failure to recognize the true meaning of the cactus symbolize his downfall.
- [Art and the Bronco](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/art-and-the-bronco): Lonny Briscoe's artistic ambition culminates in the destruction of his painting and his renunciation of art, symbolizing the failure of his aspirations.
- [Roads of Destiny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/roads-of-destiny): David's ambition to become a famous poet drives him to leave Vernoy, risking failure and loss.
- [The Right Branch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-right-branch): David's ambition to become a poet leads him to Paris, but his naivety and trust in the lady nearly result in his unwitting participation in treason.
- [The Main Road](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-main-road): David's poetic ambition leads to the neglect of his flock and family, and his failure as a poet is confirmed by Monsieur Bril's critique, culminating in his suicide.
- [Out of Nazareth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/out-of-nazareth): The Blaylocks' hopeful ambition to start anew in Skyland is undercut by the reality of the scam, yet Bloom's intervention offers a chance for redemption.
- [The Atavism of John Tom Little Bear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-atavism-of-john-tom-little-bear): John Tom's education and ambition to bridge racial divides ultimately fail, leading to a reversion to tribal ways.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/ii): Jimmy's desire to fit in as a ranger fails when he is perceived as a coward, tarnishing the company's honor.
- [Confessions of a Humorist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/confessions-of-a-humorist): The narrator's ambition to succeed as a humorist results in creative burnout and rejection, forcing a reevaluation of his life.
- [The Social Triangle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-social-triangle): Each character aspires to connect with someone of higher status, achieving a momentary triumph that ultimately underscores their social limitations and the futility of their ambitions.
- [On Behalf of the Management](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/on-behalf-of-the-management): Denver Galloway's ambition to manage something grand like a railroad or diamond trust contrasts with the dubious reality of a South American campaign.
- [The Sparrows in Madison Square](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-sparrows-in-madison-square): The narrator's literary ambition is crushed by rejection, leading to a bitter, ironic outcome.
- [The Romance of a Busy Broker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-romance-of-a-busy-broker): Maxwell's relentless ambition in finance causes a personal failure—forgetting his own wedding—yet his love ultimately prevails.
- [A Matter of Mean Elevation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/a-matter-of-mean-elevation): Armstrong's ambition to acquire a coffee plantation drives his trading venture, while the opera manager's greed nearly leads to disaster when the star vanishes.
- [Ulysses and the Dogman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/ulysses-and-the-dogman): Sam's failed attempt to maintain his former identity in the face of domestic obligations, culminating in a rebellious act that reclaims his agency.
- [The Complete Life of John Hopkins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-complete-life-of-john-hopkins): Hopkins's attempt to play the hero fails comically when he is easily overpowered and ejected, returning to his mundane life.
- [The Emancipation of Billy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-emancipation-of-billy): Billy's ambition to be recognized in his own right is thwarted by his father's overshadowing legacy, leading him to abandon his pursuit of external honors.
- [The Rubber Plant's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-rubber-plant-s-story): Bess's failed singing career is highlighted when a vocal coach tells her 'the voice is not there,' leading to her emotional breakdown and eventual decision to leave with Dick.
- [The Roads We Take](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-roads-we-take): Shark Dodson's ambition for wealth leads to betrayal and murder, yet his dream reveals a parallel ruthless ambition in the financial world.
- [A Sacrifice Hit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/a-sacrifice-hit): Slayton's desperate ambition to achieve literary fame leads him to sacrifice his integrity, resulting in ironic failure.
- [Hearts and Crosses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/hearts-and-crosses): Webb's desire to be 'king' of the ranch contrasts with his perceived failure to assert authority.
- [Christmas by Injunction](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/christmas-by-injunction): Cherokee's ambitious plan to bring Christmas joy is undermined by the town's lack of children, and the canvassers face repeated rejections.
- [The Unknown Quantity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-unknown-quantity): Dan's ambition to make restitution is met with Kenwitz's argument that the consequences of his father's actions are irreversible, highlighting the failure of good intentions.
- [The Shocks of Doom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-shocks-of-doom): Both characters face the failure of their expectations: Vallance loses his fortune, and Ide's hope of inheritance is dashed.
- [The Girl and the Graft](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-girl-and-the-graft): Vaucross's ambition for fame and Pogue's greed for money both fail when the scheme unravels due to unexpected love.
- [According to Their Lights](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/according-to-their-lights): Both Murray and the Captain have fallen from high positions, illustrating the failure of their ambitions.
- [The Lost Blend](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-lost-blend): Riley and McQuirk's relentless but failed attempts to recreate the lost blend, wasting much liquor.
- [The Skylight Room](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-skylight-room): Miss Leeson's failed job search and eventual collapse highlight the struggle for success in the city.
- [The Assessor of Success](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-assessor-of-success): Morley's ambition to live by his wits leads to material gain but ultimately fails to provide genuine fulfillment, as shown by his wish to die.
- [The Plutonian Fire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-plutonian-fire): Pettit's ambition to succeed as a writer is thwarted by his inability to write convincingly until he experiences love, but he ultimately chooses integrity over success.
- [The Last Leaf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-last-leaf): Behrman is a failed artist who finally creates his masterpiece through a selfless act, not through conventional artistic success.
- [The Duel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-duel): Both William and Jack came to New York with ambitions, but their outcomes differ: William succeeds materially but is seen as having lost his identity, while Jack resists but remains unfulfilled.
- [The Rubaiyat of a Scotch Highball](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-rubaiyat-of-a-scotch-highball): Bob's attempt at reform initially fails to bring happiness, highlighting the struggle between personal ambition and marital harmony.
- [The Handbook of Hymen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-handbook-of-hymen): Pratt's ambition to win Mrs. Sampson through statistics and Idaho's poetic courtship both face obstacles, with the fire testing their efforts.
- [A Ruler of Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/a-ruler-of-men): O'Connor's grand ambitions to rule and lead a revolution ultimately fail as the entire plot is a joke, yet he remains undeterred.
- [The Higher Abdication](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-higher-abdication): Ranse's ambitious project to reform Curly faces repeated setbacks, highlighting the tension between aspiration and the stubbornness of human nature.
- [Calloway's Code](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/calloway-s-code): Calloway's ambition to get the story past the censor succeeds, while the London paper's false account fails.
- [The Man Higher Up](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-man-higher-up): Alfred E. Ricks's failed schemes and Bill Bassett's inability to succeed in business illustrate the theme of ambition leading to failure.
- [Phoebe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/phoebe): Kearny's repeated failures in gold hunting, shipping, and revolution, despite his efforts, underscore the theme of ambition thwarted by misfortune.
- [The Octopus Marooned](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-octopus-marooned): Jeff and Andy's ambitious trust fails due to internal self-destruction, as Andy's speech inadvertently ruins their monopoly.
- [Jeff Peters as a Personal Magnet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/jeff-peters-as-a-personal-magnet): Jeff's ambition to make money through his schemes leads him to Fisher Hill, where he initially fails due to local politics, but ultimately succeeds through a clever con.
- [The Chair of Philanthromathematics](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-chair-of-philanthromathematics): The mine owner's failed mansion becomes the site of the university; the scheme ultimately succeeds as a graft, not genuine education.
- [The Moment of Victory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-moment-of-victory): Willie Robbins's relentless pursuit of military glory and fame is central, though the narrator questions the ultimate value of such ambition, highlighting the cost in lives and the absurdity of war.
- [Buried Treasure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/buried-treasure): The narrator's quest for buried treasure ultimately fails, but his true ambition—winning May Martha—succeeds, highlighting the contrast between material and emotional goals.
- [Strictly Business](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/strictly-business): Hart's ambition to produce his sketch and the near-fatal accident that threatens their success, balanced by the revelation of personal commitment.
- [What You Want](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/what-you-want): James Turner's contentment with his simple life contrasts with the caliph's attempt to impose his own idea of success, exploring the theme of personal ambition versus external expectations.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/ii): Wainwright's ambition to instruct President Gomez and redeem a nation contrasts with his own personal failures and alcoholism.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/iii): Wainwright's rise from beachcomber to presidential advisor is undone by his relapse into alcoholism, illustrating the theme of personal failure despite external success.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/iv): The narrator rejects a secure, high-paying job to pursue writing, highlighting the tension between ambition and practical success.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/ii): Mack's story of his boxing career illustrates the theme of ambition thwarted by psychological barriers, paralleling the narrator's fear of romantic rejection.
- [Bestseller](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/bestseller): Characters' ambitions to create a bestseller are undercut by the absurdity of the process, highlighting the gap between aspiration and literary merit.
- [The Venturers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-venturers): Both Ives and Forster are driven by a restless ambition for unpredictable experiences, yet they struggle with the failure of conventional life to provide true adventure.
- [The Snow Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-snow-man): Etienne Girod's failed career as an opera singer and palmist exemplifies the theme of ambition thwarted by circumstance.
- [The Unprofitable Servant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-unprofitable-servant): The chapter contrasts the potential success of Mac McGowan's talent with the risk of wasting it, echoing the parable's warning about the unprofitable servant.
- [A Fog in Santone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/a-fog-in-santone): The invalids' failed quest for health and life in San Antonio, and their resort to self-destructive measures, reflect the theme of ambition thwarted by inevitable failure.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/themes/ambition_and_failure
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_41_se/themes