The Fountainhead Essay Contest
Howard Roark, the main protagonist of The Fountainhead, embodies Ayn Rand’s depiction of individualism and originality, trying to fulfill his potential in a manipulative world. He never regrets any of his actions or decisions despite rejection from the rest of society. Even from the beginning of the novel, he was clearly aware of the obstacles ahead of him and was confident in his abilities to succeed in a selfish environment. “He knew that the days would be difficult… he knew also that he would not think, because everything was clear to him already” (pg. 15). As an independent man, his interactions with the other characters of the novel clearly represent the author’s notion that being self-sufficient in a collectivist society is a virtue. Rand’s main point throughout the book is that Roark dismisses conventions and is driven by passion, not like the others around him that only lust for power.
Ayn Rand’s characteristically dry writing style accentuates the relationships between the characters of The Fountainhead, especially the ones between Howard Roark and his “rivals” like Peter Keating and Ellsworth Toohey. Roark is unique in his willingness to embrace his individualistic mind, act on his own decisions, and be generally indifferent towards the opinion of others. This is a stark contrast to a head figure of architecture like Toohey who is blinded by his own hubris, taking advantage of the work of others in order to achieve his own standing and hide his own lack of talent. Toohey has a superficial view on the world: “There's nothing as significant as a human face. Nor as eloquent. We can never really know another person, except by our first glance at him. Because, in that glance, we know everything.” (pg.193). Operating in a style that completely diverges from Toohey, Roark finds it unnecessary to preach his values to the world or pay mind to the views of others. His talents are the only thing he focuses on, therefore when Toohey asks what he thinks of him, Roark replies without hesitation that he does not think of him. Yet Toohey is not the first of the authoritarian figures that tried to control him. He faces these issues at the very beginning of the book in his conversations with the Dean and alludes to previous situations as well. “[Roark] had met many men such as the Dean; he had never understood them. He knew there was some important difference between his actions and theirs . . .” (pg. 27). It only emphasizes his consistency and his determination to advance himself and his original work. Had he relented to authority and compromised, success would not have come to him as it did. However, Roark is able to hold on to his ideals, and his determination allows him to maintain the ultimately successful way of thinking and living.
Throughout The Fountainhead, Rand has her story reflect on the idea that individualism is suppressed in groups and society, a somewhat anti-socialistic view on the world. Socialism represents the common ownership controlled by the government, a concept of which Rand is clearly against in her works. Through a socio-political perspective, it’s clear to see that she took inspiration for this work through the influences of the life around her. Communistic ideals were rampant in Russia during her lifetime and Rand must have been a victim of the iron-fisted social structure. “Communism is, above all, a spiritual theory that denies the individual, not merely as an economic power, but in all and every respect” (pg. 700). Ellsworth Toohey’s ideals and tactics to control those around him have a resemblance to Joseph Stalin, Russia’s former dictator. “Men have a very powerful weapon against you. Reason. So you must be very careful to take it away from them . . . can you rule a thinking man?” (pg. 637).
Roark is strikingly similar in thinking to Ayn Rand who, as a philosopher, supported rationalistic views and ethical egoism as opposed to oppression and egocentrism. Objectivism is precisely the body of philosophical principles set forth in her works, advocating individual rights and self-responsibility. Roark is practical and blunt, as Ayn Rand is, and isn’t uncomfortable in speaking his mind with others. “Every piece of it is there because the house needs it.” (pg. 136). Even when he is desperately in need of a commission he refuses to mold his ideas in order to satisfy the public, waiting for clients that will let him design in his own way and critique him objectively. Though the novel at times shows the uncertainty of Roark’s egotism surviving in a society so opposed to independent-mindedness, the conclusion of this novel reveals that he ultimately achieves real success through the Cortlandt Homes trial. He sways the preconceptions of society with his integrity and mindset, the true fountainhead of man’s advancement.