My greatest ambition Flashcards
What is the central theme of ‘My Greatest Ambition’?
“The loss of youthful dreams and the reality of adulthood.”
Who is the narrator of the story?
“A young boy who dreams of becoming a comic book artist.”
Why is the narrator excited at the beginning of the story?
“Because he has submitted his comic to a magazine and received a response.”
What does the narrator’s comic strip symbolize?
“His ambition
Why does the narrator’s father dismiss his ambition?
“He believes comic books are childish and not a serious career.”
What happens when the narrator visits the comic magazine office?
“He is disappointed by the dull atmosphere and realizes the reality is less exciting than he imagined.”
What does the narrator learn by the end of the story?
“That dreams can be shattered by reality
How does Lurie use humor in the story?
“Through the boy’s exaggerated excitement and naive perceptions.”
What is ironic about the narrator’s experience?
“He thinks becoming a comic artist is thrilling
How does the narrator’s mother react to his ambition?
“She is supportive but not entirely convinced.”
What is the significance of the rejection letter?
“It marks the moment when the narrator’s dream is crushed.”
What does the narrator’s father symbolize?
“The harsh reality of adulthood and practical expectations.”
How does Lurie portray childhood dreams?
“As full of excitement but often unrealistic in the face of the real world.”
What is the role of the editor in the story?
“He represents the indifferent and unromantic nature of the publishing industry.”
How does the setting of the magazine office contrast with the narrator’s expectations?
“The office is boring and unimpressive
What is the main conflict in the story?
“The clash between childhood ambition and the reality of adult life.”
How does the story end?
“The narrator gives up on his dream and never draws comics again.”
What does the title ‘My Greatest Ambition’ suggest?
“That what was once the narrator’s greatest dream was ultimately abandoned.”
What literary device is used to highlight the narrator’s disillusionment?
“Irony—his excitement turns into disappointment.”
How does the narrator feel when he leaves the magazine office?
“Disillusioned and defeated.”
What message does Lurie convey about ambition?
“That dreams can be crushed by reality
What does the narrator’s school uniform symbolize?
“His childhood and lack of experience in the adult world.”
Why is the narrator’s reaction to the magazine office important?
“It marks his realization that the real world is not as exciting as he imagined.”
How does Lurie show the narrator’s immaturity?
“Through his exaggerated expectations and dramatic reactions.”
What is a key quote that reflects the narrator’s disappointment?
“‘I never drew another comic strip again.’”
How does the story portray the transition from childhood to adulthood?
“Through the narrator’s loss of enthusiasm and acceptance of reality.”
What is the role of the teacher in the story?
“He represents authority and practicality
What does the narrator’s bus ride home symbolize?
“His journey from innocence and ambition to disillusionment.”
How does the narrator’s view on ambition change?
“He starts with excitement but ends with disillusionment and acceptance.”
What does the narrator’s comic strip being accepted symbolize?
“A moment of hope and validation for his dreams before reality sets in.”
How does the narrator’s tone change throughout the story?
“It shifts from excitement and confidence to disappointment and resignation.”
Why does the narrator never draw another comic strip again?
“Because his experience at the magazine crushes his enthusiasm and self-belief.”
What is the significance of the narrator wearing his school uniform to the magazine?
“It highlights his youth and inexperience in the adult world.”
How does Lurie use contrast to highlight the narrator’s disillusionment?
“By showing the excitement of childhood dreams versus the dull
What does the rejection letter represent in the narrator’s life?
“The harsh realization that success is not guaranteed and that dreams can be fleeting.”
