What is the theme in The Sandman by Neil Gaiman?

Ambition is the main theme in the story. William Shakespeare in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and Richard Madoc in "Calliope" both suffer from the same ill: ambition. Shakespeare wants to write plays that contain great truth and will live on through the ages. Madoc, similarly, wants to write great works of literature and become an acclaimed, famous, rich artist. These men do not rely on their talents. Their desires outstrip their abilities. Each man turns to a supernatural being for assistance. In other words, they "cheat."