The author Ayn Rand demonstrates the theme of freewill in her novel The Fountainhead. We are first introduced to Howard Roark with reasons to believe that he is a corrupt character. Rand uses other individuals to help portray an image of having a poor reputation when he is discovered to be expelled from Stanton Institute of Technology. It is not until later that we are given information that his individuality is the reason why people oppose his art. Regardless of the different perspectives of Mrs. Keating and the Dean, we can depict the how Howard Roark drives himself by ignoring their view of continuing tradition. Ayn Rand also emphasizes the importance of happiness as Roark never gives in to following the school’s style of architecture or move away from his philosophy. Thus, Howard Roark illustrates freewill despite him being expelled committing to the ideology that art serves him in his visit to the Dean.
The scene of the meeting between Roark and the dean are the most meaningful to me as Roark’s character is truly established. From the very beginning, the audience can observe that Howard Roark does not pay any attention to what people say. In fact, Mrs. Keating feels jealous when he Roark does not react to her reminder of possibly being late to the meeting with the Dean. Roark puts off no emotion making her feel useless and unimportant as if she never existed. is not there to argue but to accept what people tell him.
The Stanton Institute of Technology is known for its strict, structure of modern art although Roark’s designs are more open-minded to new ideas. The Dean is well aware of the talent he presents to the world yet it displeases his professors. Thus, the Dean had no choice but to expel him from the institution. This scene displays how Howard Roark is not affected by the faculty’s decision because he shows no sympathy and continues to live life as if he never left. He maintains his character by following what he believes to be original work of himself. The author describes his modern art to be various types of buildings each having their own distinction. This relates to Roark as he wants to differ from the rest of society while everyone else accepts being classical.
The Dean is unable to understand the individuality Howard Roark tries to point out about himself. It is true that in school we are obligated to follow the set structure of steps or lesson plans but later on, we have to develop our own style. We all want to be known for our own values and not the aspect that everyone knows how to express within their works. Opposing the Dena’s view, Howard Roark remains loyal to himself showing no compromise to society’s acceptance. His philosophy leads him to go where someone will accept him for his creativity and personality instead of pursuing a forced tradition.
Ironically, the Dean shows an interest with Howards Roark’s artistic ability as well as his strength in math and engineering that he offers to allow Roark back into the Stanton Institute of Technology. However, the Dean is left in confusion proving he is not capable of understanding why he would turn down the offer. Roark refuses for the reason that the Dean will allow him to come back to the Stanton Institute of Technology if he comes back adapting to the traditional design of architecture. Thus, this provides evidence of Roark’s determination to be an individual apart from the rest of society.
From here we can assume that the Dean represents the antithesis of Howard Roark because he opposes all creativity. He prefers to keep tradition. The author helps depicts the pressure to become the social norm and the hardships of holding onto one’s individuality. Yet, Howard Roark is the character to remain happy despite the decision to expel him. Roark’s defines this scene with his determination to achieve his dreams and resist anyone how tries to prevent them. Finally, his actions imply that he will have constant happiness throughout the novel and anyone else who follows his philosophy.
This scene is the most meaningful to me because it demonstrates how people greatly influence you to become something you are not. I can relate to the type of character Howard Roark is in that I should be myself and continue to do what makes me happy instead of adapting to society’s norm. When it comes to individuals morals, we are forced to follow certain ideas such as the promises we accept within religion which is tradition. However, Ayn Rand exemplifies Roark’s refusal to alter his principles to be accepted by others. His character truly presents the happiness one can achieve by maintaining his way of life. In conclusion, we should all use what we know best to contribute to both ourselves and society.
