# Ambition and Success in There Is Confusion

> Theme guide for There Is Confusion by Jessie Redmon Fauset.

Characters like Joanna, Peter, and Philip are driven by a relentless pursuit of greatness and distinction, often seeing success as a means to overcome racial and economic limitations, yet the narrative questions the cost and true fulfillment of such ambition.

## Where it surfaces

- [There Is Confusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/there-is-confusion): Joanna's relentless pursuit of a dance career highlights the tension between personal ambition and societal limitations.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/i): Joanna's early desire to be great echoes her father's thwarted ambition, and the chapter explores how both characters pursue greatness despite racial and economic obstacles.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/ii): Joanna's obsession with success and distinction, fueled by her father's belief that all things are possible, drives her dedication to her artistic gifts and her rejection of domestic work.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/iv): Isaiah Bye's ambition for his son Meriwether to become a doctor contrasts with Meriwether's failure and eventual embrace of laziness and bitterness, highlighting the theme of thwarted ambition.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/vi): Joanna's unwavering determination to become a famous singer and Peter's newfound aspiration to be a surgeon highlight the theme of ambition and the pursuit of success despite societal barriers.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/vii): Joanna's determination to pursue the stage despite racial barriers, and Joel Marshall's deliberate planning for his children's future, underscore ambition and the pursuit of success.
- [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/x): Joanna's fierce drive to become a stage performer and Philip's vision of becoming a racial leader illustrate the theme of ambition and the desire to achieve greatness despite societal barriers.
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xii): Joanna is determined to become a successful artist, taking extra singing and dancing lessons, and planning a recital tour. She prioritizes her career over romantic involvement.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xiii): Joanna's dedication to her career and Peter's drive to succeed in his studies and social life highlight the theme of ambition. Joanna views love as secondary to her professional goals, while Peter works hard to prove himself worthy of her.
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xv): Joanna's dedication to her concert tours, language lessons, and dancing illustrates her relentless pursuit of artistic achievement, often at the expense of her personal relationship with Peter.
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xvi): Joanna's refusal to accept mediocrity and her demand that Peter achieve distinction reflect the theme of striving for greatness.
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xvii): Joanna's drive to succeed as a singer and her demand that Peter not abandon his medical career highlight the tension between personal ambition and the corrosive effects of racism.
- [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xviii): Joanna's relentless pursuit of a dancing career clashes with her personal desires and professional setbacks.
- [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xix): Peter abandons his medical studies for an easier path in music, while Maggie hopes to achieve respectability through marriage.
- [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xx): Joanna's career as a singer continues even as she suffers personally, showing the tension between professional ambition and personal heartbreak.
- [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xxi): Joanna's overwhelming ambition drove Peter away; Brian notes that Peter only pursued surgery to win Joanna, highlighting the tension between personal drive and relationships.
- [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xxii): Peter's decision to quit his job and return to medical school reflects his renewed ambition to rise above societal limitations and achieve success on his own terms.
- [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xxvii): Joanna initially abandons her ambition, but the unexpected offer rekindles her drive to succeed as a dancer.
- [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xxviii): Joanna achieves instant fame and a Broadway career, but grapples with the emptiness of success and questions whether this is the greatness she sought.
- [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xxxii): Maggie's plan to start a chain of beauty shops represents her newfound ambition and desire for a career, contrasting with Joanna's earlier success.
- [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xxxiii): Joanna's fame feels hollow as she realizes her success cannot replace the personal fulfillment of love and family.
- [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xxxv): Maggie's resolve to build a business with Joel's help shows ambition channeled into practical success after personal loss.
- [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xxxvi): Joanna redirects her ambition from personal fame to supporting Peter's success, while Peter grows into a responsible husband and father, redefining success on his own terms.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/themes/ambition_and_success
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/themes