The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

Choose the scene in The Fountainhead that is most meaningful to you. Analyze that scene in terms of the wider themes in the book.

                In The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, we are introduced to the protagonist Howard Roark. He is a architect with a tough and innovative personality. Roark strongly supports his principles and does not part with them. Because of this, he does not develop over the course of the story and is a static character.

 Throughout the novel he strives to hold on to his individuality because of how society treats his artwork. Rand especially illustrates his individuality by exemplifying his hatred of institutions. In the beginning of the book Roark gets expelled from Stanton Institute of Technology because he is not willing to accommodate societies accepted customs. My favorite scene in the whole novel was in Chapter Twelve when Roark refuses to defend himself in court. Roark’s love for art does not waiver him from putting the temple he created in public. He says he does not care that it is being demeaned, but that it is important that it existed. He stood alone for the defense and was calm and impersonal about the case. This shows readers that he does not care if he stands alone against society as long as he still believes in his beliefs and it is known to the public. This also shows Roark stands for inspirational strength because he follows his faith without falter. The creation of the temple that was involved in the case was ironic and much related to Roark. Ayn Rand’s extreme dislike of religion was very ironic because she described Roark like a religious figure. However, Roark never preached or converted but he inspired unconditional loyalty to his beliefs and delight to his followers just like how an eager Christian believes in god. Roark refused to hire and prepare for a defense. He evens waives his opening statement. He does not care about the court system, but about only defending his work. Roark only considers his own philosophy and others are completely irrelevant.

The trial scene in chapter twelve relates to the theme of individuality. All through the novel, Roark resists society’s pressure about conforming to their standards. His resistance to conventionality shows readers courage and value of believing in your principles. This scene matters the most to me because as the world changes the people in it changes. However, even though change is good not all changes are for the better especially our values and morals. Nowadays, when our world changes the people around me do too but not for the better. Society’s hegemony can pressure people to change for the worse. This leads to ordinary and unoriginal people. If more people stood up for their individuality we would have a more diverse population.