Ambition

Definition

Ambition is the strong desire to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. It often drives individuals to pursue goals and aspirations, influencing their decisions and actions. In narratives, ambition can shape characters, leading them to success or downfall, as it often intersects with themes of power, morality, and identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ambition is often portrayed as a double-edged sword in literature, where it can lead to both great achievements and tragic consequences.
2. In many narratives, ambitious characters are depicted as driven by a desire for power, status, or recognition, which can lead to conflicts with other characters.
3. Ambition frequently raises moral questions about the means by which goals are pursued, highlighting the tension between ambition and ethical considerations.
4. Characters driven by ambition may experience internal struggles that challenge their values and relationships as they pursue their goals.
5. The portrayal of ambition can vary significantly across different sagas, reflecting cultural attitudes toward success and the sacrifices made in its pursuit.

Review Questions

• How does ambition influence character development in the narratives you are studying?
  • Ambition plays a crucial role in character development by motivating characters to pursue their goals, which can lead to significant growth or regression. For instance, an ambitious character may start with noble intentions but become morally compromised as they chase their desires. This transformation often reflects the broader themes of the narrative, highlighting the tension between personal ambition and ethical standards.
• Compare how ambition is portrayed in two different sagas and the consequences it brings to the protagonists.
  • In one saga, ambition might be depicted positively, showcasing how a protagonist's determination leads to triumph and societal change. Conversely, another saga might illustrate ambition's darker side, where a character's relentless pursuit of power results in betrayal and loss. These contrasting portrayals emphasize how ambition can be both a driving force for progress and a catalyst for personal ruin.
• Evaluate the role of ambition in shaping the central conflicts within the sagas you are analyzing and its impact on themes of morality and identity.
  • Ambition serves as a key factor in shaping central conflicts within these sagas by driving characters to make pivotal choices that test their moral boundaries. As characters navigate their ambitions, they often confront dilemmas that force them to evaluate their identities and values. The outcomes of these conflicts reveal how ambition can redefine relationships and alter perceptions of self-worth, illustrating its profound impact on both individual journeys and overarching themes within the narratives.

Related terms

desire: A strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen.

aspiration: A hope or ambition of achieving something, often seen as a motivating force in character development.

determination: The firmness of purpose; the quality of being resolute in pursuing goals despite obstacles.