Ambition by Edward Thomas (1909)
The poem explores the theme of ambition through a reflective and sensory experience in nature. The speaker describes a vivid scene after a frost, where the awakening of the landscape is marked by the sounds and movements of birds, particularly jackdaws and a woodpecker. This lively atmosphere contrasts with the previous stillness, evoking a sense of joy and vitality. As the speaker observes the beauty around them, they feel a sense of power and ownership over the landscape, as if they have created it themselves. This moment of connection with nature leads to a profound sense of fulfillment, where time seems to stand still. The imagery of the train, which disrupts this serene moment, symbolizes the transient nature of such experiences and the inevitable return to reality. The poem questions the nature of ambition itself. The speaker reflects on whether this moment of joy and connection constitutes true ambition, suggesting a disconnect between societal expectations of ambition and personal fulfillment. The final lines express uncertainty about the essence of ambition, leaving the reader to ponder its meaning in the context of personal experience versus societal norms. The work ultimately presents a nuanced view of ambition, contrasting the external drive for achievement with the internal satisfaction found in moments of beauty and connection with the world.
By Edward Thomas · First published 1909 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Philosophical · 234 words
First lines
Unless it was that day I never knew Ambition. After a night of frost, before The March sun brightened and the South-west blew, Jackdaws began to shout and float and soar Already, and one was racing straight and high Alone, shouting like a black warrior Challenges and menaces to the wide sky.
With loud long laughter then a woodpecker Ridiculed the sadness of the owl's last cry.
What this Textopian page supports
Ambition is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edward Thomas, dated 1909 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edward Thomas
- Date: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Philosophical, Lyrical, Romanticism
- Length: 234 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing imagery and rhythm characteristic of poetry.
- Nature Writing — The poem vividly describes natural scenes and reflects on the relationship between nature and human emotion.
- Philosophical — The themes explore the nature of ambition and existence, prompting reflection on deeper meanings.
- Lyrical — The personal and emotional tone of the poem conveys the speaker's introspective thoughts and feelings.
Tags
Psychological Thriller · Mystery · Suspense · Crime Fiction · Gothic · Dark · Paranoid · Obsessive · Ambitious · Power Struggle · Betrayal · Deception