Across books · Theme
Power and Ambition
Lupin's grand scheme to manipulate European politics, install a puppet grand-duke, and effectively rule a territory reflects a theme of unchecked ambition, where personal power is pursued through geopolitical manipulation and criminal genius.
Power and Ambition appears as a literary theme in 12 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.
Lupin's grand scheme to manipulate European politics, install a puppet grand-duke, and effectively rule a territory reflects a theme of unchecked ambition, where personal power is pursued through geopolitical manipulation and criminal genius.
The struggle for control of the Roman Empire, with characters like Caesar, Antony, and Pompey vying for supremacy, and Cleopatra using her wiles to maintain her throne.
Senator Ratcliffe's relentless pursuit of the presidency and his love of power illustrate how political ambition shapes personal relationships and moral compromises.
The play explores the corrupting influence of power and ambition, as characters like Gaveston, Mortimer, and the nobles vie for control over the king and the realm, leading to political instability and violent conflict.
Characters such as Richard of Gloucester and Edward IV relentlessly pursue power, often through violence and treachery, with Richard's chilling ambition to 'shake King Henry's head' and seize the crown driving much of the action.
The play explores the corrupting influence of ambition and the pursuit of power, particularly through Cardinal Wolsey's rise and fall, and the political machinations of nobles like Buckingham and the king.
In each book
813
Lupin's grand scheme to manipulate European politics, install a puppet grand-duke, and effectively rule a territory reflects a theme of unchecked ambition, where personal power is pursued through geopolitical manipulatio
Open theme guide →
Antony and Cleopatra
The struggle for control of the Roman Empire, with characters like Caesar, Antony, and Pompey vying for supremacy, and Cleopatra using her wiles to maintain her throne.
Open theme guide →
Democracy
Senator Ratcliffe's relentless pursuit of the presidency and his love of power illustrate how political ambition shapes personal relationships and moral compromises.
Open theme guide →
Edward II
The play explores the corrupting influence of power and ambition, as characters like Gaveston, Mortimer, and the nobles vie for control over the king and the realm, leading to political instability and violent conflict.
Open theme guide →
Henry VI, Part III
Characters such as Richard of Gloucester and Edward IV relentlessly pursue power, often through violence and treachery, with Richard's chilling ambition to 'shake King Henry's head' and seize the crown driving much of th
Open theme guide →
Henry VIII
The play explores the corrupting influence of ambition and the pursuit of power, particularly through Cardinal Wolsey's rise and fall, and the political machinations of nobles like Buckingham and the king.
Open theme guide →
Little Caesar
Rico's relentless drive for power and control drives the plot, from his takeover of the Vettori gang to his eventual exile, highlighting how ambition both elevates and destroys him.
Open theme guide →
Styrbiorn the Strong
Styrbiorn's quest for kingship and dominion over Sweden, Denmark, and beyond illustrates the theme of unchecked ambition, where the desire for power leads to conquest, betrayal, and ultimately his downfall at Fyrisfield.
Open theme guide →
The Autobiography of an Idea
The theme of human power—to aspire, to work, to inquire, and to create—is central, embodied in the protagonist's relentless ambition and his admiration for heroic figures who dare to think and do.
Open theme guide →
The Great Roxhythe
Characters vie for influence, money, and position through alliances, marriages, and political maneuvering, with Roxhythe's own ambiguous motives and the King's need for funds highlighting the pursuit of power.
Open theme guide →
The Prisoner of Zenda
Black Michael's ruthless quest for the throne and the political machinations surrounding the crown illustrate how ambition corrupts and leads to violence, while the impersonation raises questions about legitimate authori
Open theme guide →
The Vicomte de Bragelonne
The narrative examines the ruthless pursuit of political power and personal ambition, as seen in the rise of Colbert, the machinations of Aramis, and the king's assertion of absolute authority, often at the expense of ho
Open theme guide →