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Theme

The cost of ambition

The idea that reaching for greatness, knowledge, or power exacts a price on the one who pursues it and on those around them.

The cost of ambition in fiction: 9 works

  1. Odysseus's ten-year struggle to return home, facing numerous perils, highlights the immense personal cost of his journey and past actions.

  2. The summary mentions King Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot, whose legendary stories often depict the high price paid for their aspirations and desires.

  3. The dystopian city focused on arms manufacturing exemplifies the negative consequences and cost of unchecked scientific and industrial ambition.

  4. The drive to mass-produce artificial labor for profit destroys humanity itself.

  5. Foyle's obsessive drive for revenge remakes and nearly destroys him.

  6. The reach for enhanced intellect brings Charlie awareness of his own coming loss.

  7. Winning the war costs Ender his innocence and burdens him with unwitting xenocide.

  8. The military's pursuit of harnessed psychic power unleashes uncontrollable catastrophe.

  9. Two magicians' obsessive rivalry consumes their lives and loved ones.

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