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Vathek · Theme

Pride and Foolish Ambition

How Vathek develops Pride and Foolish Ambition.

Vathek's pride swells as he ascends his tower and views men as pismires, leading him to almost adore himself; the narrator notes that successes of the foolish form the first rod of their chastisement.

Where it surfaces

  • Vathek

    Vathek's pride in his power and intellect leads him to ignore warnings, such as the changing inscription on the sabres, and to pursue the throne of Soliman despite the risks.