Creators And Parasites In Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead

989 words - 4 pages

Creators and Parasites in The Fountainhead

"The creators concern is the conquest of nature. The parasites concern is the conquest of men," Howard Roark states in his dramatic courtroom speech defending himself after the Cortlandt Homes incident. This quote sums up the two categories of people in rather graphic form. The creator, or non-conformist, being glorified in his attempt to better the very earth itself, independent of the constraints of humanity. The parasite, or conformist, being reduced to the lowest of all species, with a selfish goal of ruling man. This is a goal a conformist will never reach because instead of guiding society, the conformist is bound by societies rules. This accurate depiction can be visibly seen in the characters of Howard Roark, Peter Keating, and Ellsworth Tooey.

Howard Roark is a creator, and he knows it. Glorifying himself, although not looking for praise, but rather stating something that is as common to him as a fact. A devout anarchist, Roark views nature as something that man must improve upon. He has no desire for anything from mankind, he does not want to be a leader, or even for others to see the world his way, he simply doesn't care about those things. The destruction of the Cortlandt Housing project is a result of a view that any alterations of a creators plans by a mere parasite perverts something sacred. In keeping with this ideal it appears sickening that any person would lower their talents to the level of standard society, even if they do it for the sake of survival. A creator must never compromise, especially to the whims of lemmings that simply exist in a world foreign to the creator. Howard views himself as a God, and society as mere faceless individuals who have no effect on the world. He defends his right to create and destroy that which he built, based on his right to preserve his moral integrity.

Peter Keating is a parasite, clinging to any facet capable of bringing him acceptance. He finds it remarkably simple to sell his soul in exchange for an ounce of praise, in a field that is incapable of bringing him happiness. Peter is a weak man with no integrity, broken and living in despair, watching life slowly slip away from him. Parasite are dependant upon a host for life, and when that host leaves the parasite dries out and dies. Peter Keating's host was society, which left him high and dry, and utterly alone. The characteristic's which enabled his climb to the top, in a cruel twist of fate bring about his crushing defeat leaving him wondering where it all went wrong. Characteristics such as his willingness to compromise and desire to please his clients. A parasite can never truly be happy because it lives...

Peace on the Streets: Analysis of Altruism and Egoism in Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead

1502 words - 6 pages The ultimate motive of both the altruist and egoist is personal gain. Separating the two ideologies is the method by which this is accomplished. For the altruist, addressing the needs of humanity is purportedly the sole purpose of existence. Egoists, on the other hand, refuse to act if an action does not directly benefit themselves. In The Fountainhead, Ayn Rand addresses the function of altruists and egoists within society through character

Five-page analysis of Ayn Rand's "The Fountainhead" novel. Explains the significance of modern architecture and the modern architect

1254 words - 5 pages The Fountainhead is a highly descriptive novel depicting the trials of a modern architect and society's opinion on the principles of contemporary architecture. Throughout Ayn Rand's story, many different situations arise that intentionally spark conflict in the minds of the readers. The main controversies addressed are the characteristics and demeanor of the modern architect, the uniqueness of the modern architecture itself, and the debate of a

Objectism in The Fountainhead, by Ayn Rand

1111 words - 4 pages Standing as, perhaps, one of the most controversial and, simultaneously, innovative philosophies of the twentieth century, Ayn Rand's Objectivism philosophy has gathered an unprecedented following. Demonstrated and explained in detail through the use of the characters Howard Roark, Ellsworth Toohey, Peter Keating, and Dominique Francon in her infamous novel The Fountainhead, Rand creates a storyline that effectively portrays all aspects of

Objectivism in Ayn Rand´s The Fountainhead

992 words - 4 pages Objectivism is defined as “an ethical theory that moral good is objectively (based on facts rather than feelings or opinions) real or that moral precepts are objectively valid.” (Webster). Demonstrated by Ayn Rand in the book, The Fountainhead, objectivism seems to most, to be morally wrong, and socially impractical, despite seeming to be a stress-free way of life. In The Fountainhead, Howard Roark does not see relationships as necessary, but

Themes in Ayn Rand's Anthem

2171 words - 9 pages Anthem Themes “My happiness is not the means to any end. It is the end. It is its own goal. It is its own purpose” (Rand, 95). Anthem is written by American author Ayn Rand about Equality 7-2521 on his quest for happiness. The novel is set in an unspecified time and place in the future. Years after human civilization has gone through a deconstruction in which all knowledge was lost and a new society established with no concept of the

Objectivism in Ayn Rand's Anthem

1334 words - 6 pages In Ayn Rand’s famous, or in some circles, infamous, story Anthem, the differing ideologies of objectivism and collectivism are pit against each other. With objectivism being so tight knit and different from the society in the book, it seems that it would be almost impossible to truly follow in its entirety. However, Anthem, as a whole, doesn’t violate the ideals of Rand’s philosophy of objectivism. In the beginning of the novella, the reader is

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

771 words - 3 pages The Fountainhead, by Ayn Rand, shows the human ideal and a struggle to keep itself going in a decaying world. It depicts the fact that in order to be successful and remain that way, man must be moral and practical, not one or the other. In doing so, Rand has created two characters Peter Keating and Howard Roark, a foil of one another. They went to the same school, chose the same profession, and even lived in the same house. Throughout the novel

Community Identity in Ayn Rand's "Anthem"

1060 words - 4 pages The author of this text is (Ayn Rand) and she has written the book called: “Anthem,” it describes what it is like in a society when all People are not “free” to control themselves. No love or friendship is ever shared between any of the groups of people- no feelings whatsoever. Doing what ever you like as long as it is legal and no one gets hurt makes freedom from living in a

Francisco d’Anconia in Ayn Rand's _Atlas Shrugged_

1600 words - 6 pages Francisco d’Anconia bursts onto the pages of Atlas Shrugged just as “he flew through the days of his summer months,” “like a rocket” (94). Through Dagny’s eyes, Ayn Rand introduces Francisco as larger than, and full of, life—a being of pure joy; a shining beacon of ability, productiveness, purpose. It is no wonder that Dagny expects great things from Frisco d’Anconia. Yet, Dagny is crushed by what Francisco does become. He “changes his course

Atlas Shrugged Describe the economic and political climate of Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged

680 words - 3 pages The economic and political climate of Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged represent the polarized ideologies of her day, and make for a telling lesson for those in business today. The forces and conditions that permitted the rise of the great American industrialists also led for calls of legislation and redistribution of wealth- as Ayn Rand would say, "thieves armed with bills rather than guns". While the battle field has gained complexity, the battle

Ayn Rand's View of Technology as seen in the novel "Anthem"

1004 words - 4 pages initially exposed to a somewhat technologically backwards society that discouraged the advancement of the individual. After settling in America, Rand found herself in a considerably more satisfying environment where a capitalist society existed in which technological and individual advancement was encouraged. This background led to Ayn Rand's opinion of technology in Anthem; through the comparison of the despair of a technologically backward society

Heroism In Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead

1165 words - 5 pages Heroism in The Fountainhead The Fountainhead is a story about heroism. The novel is a triumphant cry of protest against all those who insist that life is about mediocrity. That man is destined to suffer. The greatness of The Fountainhead lies in its ability to inspire hope and confidence in its readers, to show how much is possible. For more than fifty years now, people all over the world have been looking towards this great book

Analysis Of Altruism And Egoism In Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead

1484 words - 6 pages The ultimate motive of both the altruist and egoist is personal gain. Separating the two ideologies is the method by which this is accomplished. For the altruist, addressing the needs of humanity is purportedly the sole purpose of existence. Egoists, on the other hand, refuse to act if an action does not directly benefit themselves. In The Fountainhead, Ayn Rand addresses the function of altruists and egoists within society through character

Altruism And Egotism Portrayed In Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead

1968 words - 8 pages In the world today, altruism is associated with the “common good” of man while egotism is associated with evil and non-consideration of the fellow man. In contrast to the world’s view, Ayn Rand provides and proves a new definition for egotism through her book, The Fountainhead. She defines egotism in the context of ethics. She states: “Man-every man-is an end in himself, not a means to the ends of others; he must live for his own sake, neither

Standing Alone Against The World In Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead

827 words - 3 pages Standing Alone Against the World in Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead Conformity is a basic human characteristic that man spends a life time either fighting or accepting, but few can escape. Parents, churches, schools, and communities teach that the path Peter Keating follows is the assured road to security and happiness. Humans crave companionship and are willing to sacrifice their values, beliefs, and very souls for the satisfaction of