Human Nature in James Thurber’s The Moth and the Star

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Throughout the ages, mankind has sought to escape their prescribed limitations. It is within the confines of human nature to be ambitious. Whether we analyze the life of a prideful child, a fanatical scientist, a single-minded captain, or a representation of man, ambition is distinguishable among these various people. In James Thurber’s The Moth and the Star, a young moth is possessed by the dream of one day reaching a particular star of his choice. In Herman Melville’s Moby Dick’s, Captain Ahab pursued a life of vengeance against the infamous Moby Dick. In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, Jack sets his interests on becoming the tribe’s new leader. And in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein sought to possess the secrets of life and with such knowledge, reanimate the dead. Because of the endeavors pursued by Captain Ahab, Jack, Victor Frankenstein, and the Moth, it is conclusive to state that any human, regardless of their occupation or background, is naturally embedded with ambition. First, the Moth demonstrates ambition throughout The Moth and the Star. James Thurber’s The Moth and the Star, begins when the main protagonist, the Moth, become possessed by the dream of reaching a star. His parents and society, however, wish for him a different fate: to receive his singe marks from a street lamp. The guardians of the Moth try to deviate their son from his dream by telling him, “‘Stars aren't the thing to hang around,’ she said; ‘lamps are the thing to hang around.’ ‘You get somewhere that way,’ said the moth's father. ‘You don't get anywhere chasing stars’” (Para. 1). As depicted by this quotes, the society which the Moth lives in, has a mechanical way of thinking; that is, no one performs an action outside of the s... ... middle of paper ... ...ice was high-lifted then; and the boat leaped on. Yet the voice spake true; for scarce had he pushed from the ship, when numbers of sharks, seemingly rising from out the dark waters beneath the hull, maliciously snapped at the blades of the oars, every time they dipped in the water; and in this way accompanied the boat with their bites” (135.24-26). Rather than relent on his pursuit, Ahab push away the fear of death and continues his hunt. From the moment of encounter, Ahab dedicated his life to the ambition of slaying the legendary beast. Ahab’s chance of success was dismal, but his hunger for bloodshed only grew with every failure. From sunrise, to sunset, the only thing on Ahab’s mind was the whale. In conclusion, despite coming from completely different backgrounds and living different lives, Victor Frankenstein, the Moth, Jack and Captain Ahab all had ambitions.

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