Ambition

Definition

Ambition is a strong desire to achieve something, often requiring determination and hard work. In the context of literature and drama, it often drives characters to seek power, success, or recognition, influencing their actions and the unfolding of the plot. This theme is particularly relevant in works from the period of the University Wits, as it highlights the personal motivations that propel individuals to pursue greatness, sometimes leading to their downfall.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ambition is a central theme in many works by Christopher Marlowe, illustrating how characters' desires for power shape their fates.
2. Marlowe's protagonists often exhibit extreme ambition, driving them to confront societal norms and expectations.
3. The idea of ambition in Marlowe's plays raises questions about morality and ethics, as characters pursue their goals at any cost.
4. Ambition can lead to both greatness and ruin; many characters ultimately face dire consequences due to their relentless pursuit of success.
5. The conflict between personal ambition and communal responsibility is a recurring motif, reflecting the tensions present in the society of the time.

Review Questions

• How does ambition serve as a driving force in Marlowe's plays, particularly regarding character development?
  • In Marlowe's plays, ambition often propels characters into action, shaping their decisions and altering their trajectories. For example, characters like Doctor Faustus demonstrate how an insatiable desire for knowledge and power leads them to make tragic choices. This relentless pursuit reveals deeper aspects of their personalities and forces them into conflicts that highlight the moral dilemmas associated with ambition.
• Analyze how Marlowe portrays the consequences of unchecked ambition in his works.
  • Marlowe's portrayal of unchecked ambition reveals a critical view of the human condition, emphasizing the potential for self-destruction. Characters like Tamburlaine exemplify how overwhelming ambition can lead not only to personal glory but also to catastrophic outcomes. The consequences are often tragic, illustrating that the pursuit of power without ethical consideration can result in loss, despair, and downfall.
• Evaluate the role of ambition in shaping societal views during the time of the University Wits and its impact on subsequent literary movements.
  • Ambition during the time of the University Wits reflects the shifting societal views towards individualism and personal achievement. As these playwrights challenged traditional values through their ambitious characters, they laid the groundwork for later literary movements that explored similar themes. This evolution signifies a transformation in how society perceives success and moral responsibility, highlighting the complex relationship between personal desires and societal norms that would influence future writers.

Related terms

Tragic Flaw: A characteristic or trait in a character that leads to their downfall, often linked to ambition.

Hubris: Excessive pride or self-confidence, often resulting from unchecked ambition, leading to a character's downfall.

Motivation: The reasons behind a character's actions and decisions, often influenced by their ambitions.