In Jeffrey Archer's book "A Prisoner of Birth," the theme explores the complex nature of parental aspirations and how they often project higher ambitions onto their children than they might have for themselves. Parents wish to see their kids succeed and lead better lives, sometimes vicariously living through their children's achievements. This can create a dynamic where parental hopes and dreams become intertwined with their children's futures, aiming for success that perhaps they couldn't attain.

"Are parents always more ambitious for their children than they are for themselves?" is a question posed in the context of the story's broader themes. The novel illustrates how parental ambitions can influence, pressure, and shape a child's identity, highlighting the deep emotional investment parents have in their children's potential. Archer's work delves into these complexities, revealing the sometimes unspoken expectations that accompany parenthood and the pursuit of a better life for the next generation.