Are women supposed to be ambitious? His Girl Friday isn't exactly sure. The film admires Hildy's talent and drive… it's fun to watch her chase down and tackle that Warden.
But the film, and Hildy herself, also worry that there's something not quite decent, or not quite right, about a woman wanting to succeed and have her name on a street sign. Ultimately, Hildy gets to have her ambition and her career—but only if she's working for, and married to, Walter. Maybe it's okay for a woman to be ambitious, the film decides, as long as she's working for her husband.
Questions about Ambition
- How are Walter and Bruce's ambitions for Hildy different? How are they the same?
- Are Walter's ambitions shown as bad or dangerous? Are the mayor's? Explain.
- Is Hildy's desire to be a wife and live a normal life an ambition? Explain your answer.
Chew on This
Take a peek at these thesis statements. Agree or disagree?
In His Girl Friday, Hildy abandons love for ambition.
In His Girl Friday, Hildy abandons ambition for love.