Introduction
The Ambitious Guest Summary By Nathaniel Hawthorne Nathaniel Hawthorne, one of the most celebrated American writers of the 19th century, is known for his exploration of the dark complexities of human nature. His works often delve into themes of guilt, sin, and the consequences of personal ambition. The Ambitious Guest is a short story that reflects Hawthorne’s preoccupation with these themes, presenting a poignant narrative that serves as a commentary on human desires, aspirations, and the often unforeseen consequences of pursuing personal goals.
First published in 1835, The Ambitious Guest is a story set in a secluded, mountainous region, where a family lives in a solitary house. The narrative centers around a traveler, described as an ambitious young man, who seeks shelter in the family’s home. During his stay, he shares his dreams of future success and the great achievements he envisions. However, his ambition leads to a tragic and ironic conclusion, as the story explores the futility and unpredictability of human ambitions, as well as the transience of life.
Summary of The Ambitious Guest by Nathaniel Hawthorne
The Ambitious Guest opens with a description of a family living in a remote mountain house. The family consists of a father, mother, two sons, and a daughter. The family is isolated from the outside world due to the harsh conditions of the mountain pass, which makes their home a refuge from the dangers of the wilderness. The story takes place during a stormy night when a traveler, later described as a young man of about twenty, arrives at the house seeking shelter.
The traveler is welcomed by the family, and he quickly becomes part of the conversation. As they sit around the fire, the traveler shares his thoughts with the family. He tells them that he is an ambitious young man with dreams of making a name for himself in the world. He speaks of his aspirations to achieve greatness, to leave behind a legacy that will be remembered by future generations. He imagines a life of fame and success, where he will be admired and celebrated for his achievements.
Read more
The family listens to the traveler’s speech with varying degrees of interest and amusement. The father seems to approve of the young man’s ambition, while the mother expresses more caution, fearing the risks associated with such lofty aspirations. However, the traveler remains determined and passionate about his goals. He shares his desire to be remembered long after his death, to be known for his contributions to society, and to achieve a lasting impact on the world.
As the conversation continues, the weather outside grows worse, and the storm intensifies. The family begins to express their concerns about the dangers of the mountain pass, which is prone to sudden avalanches and other natural hazards. The father tells the traveler about the history of the pass, noting that many travelers have been lost in the area, some of whom were similarly ambitious but met tragic fates.
Just as the family discusses the perilous conditions of the pass, the traveler’s ambitions take on a more foreboding tone. He reveals that he is not just hoping for fame and success; he has plans to make his name known in the world and intends to travel through the dangerous mountain pass to achieve his goals. He speaks about the thrill of taking risks and the excitement of adventure, oblivious to the dangers that lie ahead.
The family is torn between their concern for the traveler’s safety and their admiration for his ambition. They urge him to reconsider his decision, but the traveler remains resolute, confident that his path will lead him to greatness. As he prepares to leave, the family continues to voice their worries, but the young man insists that his destiny is calling him and that he must follow it.
In the final moments of the story, the traveler leaves the house, stepping into the dark and stormy night. The family waits anxiously for his return, but as time passes, they begin to hear the sound of the storm intensifying. The father, filled with dread, finally goes outside to check on the young man, but he is met with silence. The family soon learns that the traveler has been lost in the avalanche, his ambitions and dreams swallowed by the very forces of nature he had so boldly sought to defy.
The story ends with a tragic and ironic twist, as the traveler’s ambition ultimately leads to his downfall. In seeking to carve out a legacy for himself, the young man unknowingly becomes a victim of the very forces he sought to conquer. The family, left behind in the warmth of their home, is left to reflect on the futility of human ambition and the unpredictable nature of life.The Ambitious Guest Summary By Nathaniel Hawthorne
Themes in The Ambitious Guest by Nathaniel Hawthorne
- The Dangers of Ambition One of the central themes in The Ambitious Guest is the danger of unchecked ambition. The traveler’s dreams of greatness, while admirable in their ambition, ultimately lead to his demise. His desire for fame and recognition blinds him to the risks and realities of his environment, and his ambition becomes a driving force that propels him toward a tragic end. Through the traveler’s story, Hawthorne critiques the human tendency to pursue lofty goals without fully considering the consequences of such aspirations.
- The Unpredictability of Fate Fate plays a significant role in the story, and it is depicted as an unpredictable and uncontrollable force. The traveler’s ambition leads him to take risks, but fate intervenes in the form of the avalanche, which suddenly and unexpectedly ends his life. This theme underscores the idea that no matter how much one may plan or strive for success, fate remains an unpredictable and powerful force that can change the course of events in an instant. The story suggests that human beings are ultimately at the mercy of forces beyond their control.The Ambitious Guest Summary By Nathaniel Hawthorne
Read more
- The Fragility of Life The story emphasizes the fragility of human life, particularly in the face of nature’s power. The traveler’s life is cut short in an instant, and his dreams of greatness are extinguished by the avalanche. Hawthorne illustrates how fragile life can be, and how quickly circumstances can change. The story serves as a reminder that life is transient, and that even the most ambitious plans can be undone by forces beyond human comprehension.
- The Irony of Human Desire There is an ironic twist in the story, as the traveler’s ambition leads him to pursue a dangerous journey, only to be killed by the very forces he sought to challenge. The traveler’s desire for greatness is ultimately rendered meaningless, as his life is snuffed out before he can achieve any of his ambitions. Hawthorne uses irony to highlight the futility of human desires and the uncertainty of success. The story suggests that no matter how much one may strive for recognition, life’s unpredictable nature can render those ambitions insignificant in the end.
- The Contrast Between Individual and Collective Fate The story contrasts the individual fate of the ambitious traveler with the collective fate of the family. While the traveler’s ambitions lead to his death, the family remains safely in their home, untouched by the storm. This contrast underscores the theme of individual versus collective fate, and how personal ambitions can sometimes lead individuals away from the safety and stability of community life. The family, though less ambitious, is ultimately preserved, while the traveler, driven by his personal desires, meets an untimely end.
- The Role of Nature Nature plays a central role in the story, symbolizing both the unpredictable and uncontrollable forces that shape human lives. The storm, the mountain pass, and the avalanche are all representations of nature’s power, which remains indifferent to human desires and ambitions. Hawthorne portrays nature as a force that is beyond human understanding and control, and the traveler’s tragic fate underscores humanity’s vulnerability in the face of nature’s vastness.The Ambitious Guest Summary By Nathaniel Hawthorne
Conclusion
The Ambitious Guest Summary By Nathaniel Hawthorne The Ambitious Guest by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a thought-provoking short story that explores the themes of ambition, fate, and the fragility of life. Through the tragic story of the young traveler, Hawthorne critiques the dangers of unchecked ambition and the unpredictability of fate, reminding readers of the inherent uncertainty of life.The Ambitious Guest Summary By Nathaniel Hawthorne
The story’s tragic irony, its exploration of human desires, and its portrayal of nature’s power make it a compelling and enduring work that continues to resonate with readers today.The Ambitious Guest Summary By Nathaniel Hawthorne
Read more
(FAQ)
1 What is the main message of The Ambitious Guest?
The main message of the story is a critique of human ambition and the unpredictability of fate. The traveler’s ambitions ultimately lead to his death, illustrating how uncontrollable forces, such as nature and fate, can render human desires insignificant.The Ambitious Guest Summary By Nathaniel Hawthorne
2 How does the traveler’s ambition contribute to his downfall?
The traveler’s ambition leads him to take risks by traveling through a dangerous mountain pass. His desire for greatness blinds him to the dangers around him, and his fatal decision to venture into the storm results in his tragic death.The Ambitious Guest Summary By Nathaniel Hawthorne
3 What role does nature play in the story?
Nature is portrayed as a powerful and uncontrollable force in The Ambitious Guest. The storm, the mountain pass, and the avalanche all serve as symbols of nature’s unpredictability and its ability to disrupt human plans. The traveler’s ambitions are ultimately destroyed by nature’s indifference.
4 What is the significance of the avalanche?
The avalanche is a metaphor for the unpredictability of life and fate. It represents the sudden and uncontrollable forces that can change the course of events, regardless of human plans or desires. The avalanche serves as the story’s ironic twist, as it ends the traveler’s life before he can achieve his ambitions.
5 What does the story suggest about human desires?
The story suggests that human desires, especially when driven by ambition, can be futile and ultimately lead to disappointment. The traveler’s ambitions are cut short by fate, and his pursuit of greatness is rendered meaningless by his untimely death. The story critiques the notion that ambition can lead to lasting success or fulfillment.The Ambitious Guest Summary By Nathaniel Hawthorne
6 How does The Ambitious Guest reflect Hawthorne’s literary style?
The Ambitious Guest reflects Hawthorne’s literary style through its exploration of dark psychological themes, its use of symbolism, and its focus on moral lessons. Like many of Hawthorne’s works, the story examines the complexities of human nature and the consequences of personal desires.
Read more
