Obsession and Ambition

Obsession and ambition are themes of this novel. Robert is ambitious. He is obsessed with becoming a successful artist. This ambition comes from his father who does not accept his son's life choices. He wants his son to be successful and feels that art is not a proper occupation. Robert wants to show that his choices are right for him and only success will prove this. This leads him to strive for success at all costs.

Robert uses people who can help him advance his career. He courts the rich for he needs money to advance his career. He tries to make Patti change to fit in with the people he strives to befriend, but she will not change for anyone. She does not have his ambition. Success is what he strives to achieve, while Patti only wants to live her dreams.

Ambition leads him to...