"The Fountainhead"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how "The Fountainhead" is a highly readable novel with a purpose, made so by the depth and internal conflicts of the characters. It looks at how the clash between Howard Roark's ego and the stand of the established society have been weaved into an intricate tapestry along with the philosophy of the characters. It also examines how the book illustrates the reasons behind the hatred and denouncement innovators normally face in the world and also why man's ego is the power behind the progress of mankind.

From the Paper:

"Rand follows the style of first-person narration in the book so strictly that the word sociopath is not mentioned anywhere in the book. Howard in the book dubiously describes himself as on outstanding architect destroyed by society, not properly understood by anybody, hardworking and very fair in his dealings. But apart from the unsure confidence of the protagonist, the tragedy of the book is his undying desire to validate the correctness of his own morality. The reader soon comes to understand that apart from possessing the normal adolescent attitudes of disrespecting authority, being original and generally be a bad guy, Howard also desperately seeks the comfort of the child's need to secure parental approval of his moral stand though he never admits it."

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