Ambition and Failure

Ambition and Failure appears as a literary theme in 6 works in the BetterReads curated set. Each book develops the idea in its own plot, voice, and historical moment — the links below open the book-scoped theme guide beside the text.

Dan Oliphant's relentless drive to develop Ornaby Addition and his visionary optimism are central, but the narrative also explores his financial struggles, the skepticism of others, and the personal costs of his ambition, including his eventual loss of control.

The novel explores the contrast between those who succeed through ruthless ambition (Jasper) and those who fail due to artistic scruples or inability to adapt to the market (Reardon, Biffen), with failure often leading to social isolation and personal tragedy.

Characters driven by artistic, financial, or social ambition frequently meet with ruin or absurdity, as seen in the failed shopkeeper Winslow, the deluded uncle author, and the obsessive taxidermist.

The pursuit of success—whether in literature, business, or social climbing—often leads to disappointment or moral compromise, as seen in 'Mrs. Brumby' and the tale of the fallen gentleman in Cucumber Court, highlighting the gap between aspiration and reality.

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.

Adele Leamington's struggle to rise from extra to star, Lawley Foss's bitterness over his failed writing career, and Stella Mendoza's ruthless ambition illustrate the harsh realities of pursuing success in the film industry.