The Way of Ambition

"The Way of Ambition" by Robert Hichens is a story set in the early 1900s that follows the desires of its characters, mainly a young woman named Charmian, who wants to be known and live a life different from others. The book looks into topics like wanting to be an artist, what society expects, and how people relate to each other in a certain time and place. The story begins with Charmian and her mother, Mrs. Mansfield, talking about a composer named Claude Heath in their drawing room. Charmian wants new English music and is interested in Heath, who isn't famous yet. The beginning shows their talks and social life, hinting at Charmian's strong wish for artistic fame and her difficult feelings about wanting to be successful and who she is. As they discuss Heath's past and possibilities, it suggests a connection between Charmian and Heath, which sets the stage for relationship problems and searches for what it means to be ambitious in the story.