Abstract This paper discusses how through comparison and indirect analogy, "The Fountainhead" portrays the struggle to maintain individual integrity and absolute freedom and oppose mainstream societal values. It looks at how Howard Roark's actions throughout the novel illustrate the struggle between the individual and corrupt society.
From the Paper "The novel dramatizes the conflict between independence and integrity versus conformist society by showing Roark's integrity, tested but never conquered. When Roark's funds have dwindled to next to noting, he is offered a contract to build a bank if he will alter the facade; and the reader sees how crucial it is for him that he maintain his absolute integrity. Roark's options are clearly laid out before him: he can compromise his art, and indeed, his wholeness, or he can close his office, which labels him in society's mind as a failure. When he refuses the commission, the conventional principals of the audience oppose the principals laid out by the novel."
Tags: Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead, Howard Roark, comparison, analogy, literary criticism, literary techniques, American literature
Abstract 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."
Abstract This paper examines how Ayn Rand explores issues of collectivism versus individualism, as well as matters of integrity in her 1943 novel, "The Fountainhead". The paper shows how the book's message can also be applied to modern day society.
From the Paper "And then there is the symbolism of the character Ellsworth Toohey. How many of these despotic, selfish, self-centered, power-mad little egomaniacs has the world seen since 1943? Starting of course with the model for the character in the first place, none other than Adolf Hitler, up to the latest long list of despots now ruling different parts of the globe. They are allowed to rule and govern and suppress their peoples, rape their nation's treasuries and do so with relative impunity and, again, the question of why begs answering."
Abstract The paper shows that associations among the characters of Perelandra, the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in C.S. Lewis' "The Four Loves" reveal the qualities of primary three kinds of love, namely: erotic love, affection, and friendship. It discusses how the author, however, overwhelms and outshines these three forms by a superior form of love, charity. This is the fourth form of love described by Lewis for being the fountainhead of all loves. The paper shows that in the opinion Lewis, all other forms of love take their origin from charity. It shows how this fact is also obvious in the story that it is not easy to classify the kind of love that exists between two entities - it can even be the case that two or more kinds of love be present in one association simultaneously.
From the Paper "Ransom's desperation to contact was the culmination of the instinctive desire of making friends in human beings. Though this desire is deeply-rooted in the usual familiarity of all individuals in the world, it is not a "must". C.S. Lewis illustrates friendship in The Four Loves as a simulated need and states, ?We can live and breed without friendship.? (The Four Loves, p.58). Ransom's distraction towards friendship was a "need-love" case that is profound in humans. Lewis says in relation to this "need" component of human liking, ?Our craving for the affection of others.? (The Four Loves, p.39)."
Abstract This paper discusses the life and work of the author Ayn Rand and makes a parallel between her background in communist Russia and her philosophy of objectivism. It show how Rand's works and ideals were the product of opposition to her background and homeland's philosophies by analysis of the themes in her novels "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged".
From the Paper "These concepts of total equality and selflessness are what Ayn Rand despised and fought with her concept of objectivism. Objectivism is Rand's most lauded philosophy; it is Rand's belief that all universal concepts can be explained rationality, neither being received by mystic forces nor created by the human mind (Baker 95). This train of thought conveys three arguments that are ever visible in Rand's writings: individualism versus collectivism, egoism versus altruism, and reason versus mysticism ("Overview" online). Rand embraces the former of each in her two most renowned novels, The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged."
Abstract This paper asserts that the govenmental ideal of capitalism from the philosophy of John Stuart Mill upon which the United States is based closely parallels the modern controversial assertions of Objectivist ethics and Ayn Rand. The paper Uses evidence from "On Liberty" and "Virtue of Selfishness" to suggest that the ideals of Objectivism were evident in Mill's philosophy a century before Objectivism was a complete thought.
From the Paper "The two texts also parallel on their references to the exchange of ideas and interpersonal relationships between individuals. In Selfishness, Rand asserts that ?The principle of trade is the only rational ethical principle for all human relationships, personal and social, private and public, spiritual and material (Rand, 29),? meaning that one cannot, first of all, give of oneself unselfishly, expecting nothing in return, and second, only take what we can from others, not giving anything in return. The ideal man she describes is a trader; one who exchanges his expertise for things that he lacks, and vice versa."
Tags: altruism, capitalism, faire, fountainhead, laissez, selfishness, stuart
Abstract Starts out with a contrast of society's "ideal man" and Rand's man. Explains the influence of her upbringing and Communist Russia on her desired attributes of said man. Details obsession with portraying this man in all her writings. Discusses traits of creator: originator, "black or white" mentality, perfectionist, egoist, selfishness, individualist, atheist, requirement of suffering. Also touches on whether a woman can be an ideal "man", according to Rand's definition, and discusses, briefly, the rape scene.
From the Paper "If one does a search for "ideal man" on any web-based search engine, the majority of the webpage links returned describe physical qualities or list one of a number of celebrities. A recent survey to compile the most important characteristics returned the following attributes: "The ideal man is taller; athletic/toned build; hairless face and chest; medium butt and lips; blue eyes; short brown straight hair; with piercings - but depends where; and without tattoos" (Purple Tights). Now add just a single word to that search, ?Rand,? and the result changes dramatically. The web pages that are returned are primarily focused on the mental, emotional, and even spiritual aspects of a person. Ayn Rand was obsessed with the ?ideal man.? In her book The Fountainhead, the protagonist, Howard Roark, is Rand's vision of this ideal man. While Rand makes good arguments for her view of the idyllic man, there are several characteristics that alienate him from the rest of humanity and make his existence unrealistic, and more likely impossible. She has created an archetype, a superhero of sorts. And every superhero has at least one weakness. Though Rand may not classify them as weaknesses, they definitely affect his ability to interact with the society in which he lives."
Abstract This paper is an admissions essay written by an aspiring Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for acceptance to the University of Southern California. The paper portrays the applicant's dreams and desires for his future. The paper discusses Ayn Rand's novel, "The Fountainhead," highlighting the hero's philosophy of life that rests solidly on a realist foundation of individualist power and self-reliance. The applicant compares his own personal philosophy of life to that of the book's hero.
From the Paper "Howard Roark, the hero of Ayn Rand's novel The Fountainhead, won't stop short of genius or success. As an architect, he helps erect the solid yet symbolic structures of his personal ambition. His creative prowess is not appreciated by his contemporaries; he is ridiculed and professionally hindered. In spite of his inability to maintain a secure business because of these external obstacles, Roark emerges as an unequivocal success and role model for an individualist philosophy. It is his brand of self-determination and unabashed individualism that guides my personal parameters of success. I don't feel success can be defined by broad and blanket terms, and I don't feel that success depends on an ascription to cultural or social norms."
Abstract Whatever the degree to which individual people embraced their leaders as literal gods or divine fountainheads, it is clear that such cults played a tremendous role in the religious and political development of ancient societies. The paper shows that this was especially true for Hellenistic Greece and the Roman Empire, both of which existed under these cults - the former providing much of the historical and ideological groundwork for the latter.
From the Paper "The ruler cults of ancient Greece and the later imperial cults of ancient Rome are much-debated topics in classical studies. Historians have long struggled to understand the role that these cults played in the construction of these societies both at the ideological and practical, day-to-day levels. The debate most often revolves around the degree to which these cults could be considered religious institutions at all (Harland par. 1-2). Many critics feel that these cults were little more than opportunistic attempts to manipulate politics in these societies. Others argue that these cults, whatever their political machinations, actually did have religious basis."
