How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
She saw in his face that he had contracted the incurable Western disease. He had set his cross-hairs on the snowpeak of a vision, and there he would go. (6.2.49)
Of course, there comes a point when ambition becomes a bad thing. At this point, Oliver has invested in countless businesses, but each one has ended up failing miserably. Instead of taking a step back and examining why these things have happened, however, he just keeps his head down and keeps working.
Quote #8
Grandfather was trying to do [...] what only the immense power of the federal government ultimately proved able to do. (7.3.2)
Basically, Oliver has set his sights high. The dude is actually kind of a genius: every single one of his business ventures is about 20 years ahead of its time. While we have to give him props for his forward-thinking vision, Oliver should have learned not to bite off more than he can chew.
Quote #9
She had watched her hopes recede, had had her pride humiliated. Her ambitions for her children seemed certain to be frustrated. (7.7.67)
Unlike her husband, Susan is very much affected by the family's business failures. She once shared Oliver's ambitious mindset, wholeheartedly believing that his business dealings would give them the lives that they deserved. Unfortunately, this wide-eyed optimism could only endure so many disappointments.