Ambition and Enterprise

Where it surfaces

• I: Sally Gives a Party

  Gerald's willingness to compromise his artistic ideals for a Broadway production, and the guests' varied financial advice, illustrate the pursuit of success and the compromises it entails.

• II

  Fillmore's aspirations to be a 'big man' and his talk of a 'deal' reflect the theme of ambition, while Sally's skepticism underscores the gap between dreams and reality.

• III

  Gerald's decision to accept the production deal with Cracknell, despite the questionable casting, highlights the compromises made in pursuit of success and recognition.

• II: Enter Ginger

  Sally's thoughts on 'enterprise' and her desire to lecture Ginger on the subject suggest a theme of personal drive and initiative, contrasting with Ginger's admitted lack of success.

• VI

  Sally criticizes Ginger's lack of enterprise and his reliance on family, contrasting with his vigorous defense of the dog.

• III: The Dignified Mr. Carmyle

  Sally's advice to Ginger to 'brace up' and pursue his own path underscores the theme of self-reliance and ambition.

• II

  Sally's lecture to Ginger about bracing up and finding a job underscores the theme of ambition and self-improvement.

• I

  Gerald's obsession with his play's success and Fillmore's involvement in the theatrical enterprise.

• II

  The rehearsal highlights the ambitions of the cast and crew, from the star's desire for prominence to Fillmore's role as stage manager.

• IV

  Fillmore's ambition to buy the play and make it a success, despite his financial failures, highlights the theme of enterprise.

• VII: Some Meditations on Success

  Gerald's and Fillmore's ambitions drive the plot, but Sally's reflection highlights the cost of such single-minded pursuit of success.

• VIII: Reappearance of Mr. Carmyle—and Ginger

  Fillmore's success as a manager and his consultations with Ike Schumann highlight the theme of ambition in the theatrical world.

• I

  Fillmore's focus on his career and the potential Chicago run highlights the theme of ambition and the business of theatre.

• X: Sally in the Shadows

  Fillmore's grandiose plans for theatrical productions, backed by Carmyle, illustrate the risks and excesses of ambition.

• I

  Fillmore's ambitious plans for a large revue, despite the need for caution, highlight his enterprising nature.

• II

  Fillmore's ambitious theatrical ventures, including a revue and starring his fiancée, highlight his drive and risk-taking.

• XIII: Strange Behaviour of a Sparring-Partner

  Fillmore's theatrical enterprise now includes boxing promotions, showing his drive to expand his business.

• I

  Sally's determination to fight for her happiness and the office boy's aspirations to vaudeville reflect the theme of ambition.

• XIV: Mr. Abrahams Re-Engages an Old Employee

  Fillmore's relentless pursuit of a big win leads to ruin, and Elsa's ambition drives her to break her contract.

• I

  Ginger's dream of running a dog kennel and Sally's investment in his venture highlight the theme of entrepreneurial ambition.

• II

  The failure of Fillmore's revue and Elsa's career-driven choices reflect the risks of ambition.

• XV: Uncle Donald Speaks His Mind

  Bruce's determination to pursue Sally despite obstacles highlights his ambitious nature.

• I

  The Flower Garden's commercial success and the characters' pursuits of theatrical ventures reflect the theme of ambition.

• I

  Gerald's despair over returning to regular work underscores the theme of ambition and the fear of failure.

• XVIII: Journey's End

  Fillmore's restaurant venture and plans for expansion illustrate the theme of ambition and the pursuit of success.