Howard Roark: As Every Man Should Live

For the past month, I’ve been steadily reading Ayn Rands novel entitled “The Fountainhead”. I have come to admire the integrity and character of the hero Howard Roark. The brilliant and genius architect that is constantly punished by the pathetic, contradictory and blind distastefulness of New York’s high society’s named “intellects”. . .I can not do justice in trying to explain Howard Roark and his “philosophy”. . .But I feel that every man should live exactly as Howard Roark; independent. I found this “in-depth analysis” of Howard Roark on the Spark Notes website, and though Spark Notes could do no justice to the complete “in-depth” character of Howard Roark, I’ve decided to share what they have come up with. 

“Howard Roark is the undisputed hero of The Fountainhead, and his story drives the novel. His name contains the words “hard” and “roar,” both of which accurately describe his tough, determined character. Roark’s buildings suggest his personality, for like Roark they are innovative and austere. Roark never compromises or deviates from his principles. Rand holds him up as everything that man can and should be. Consequently, Roark does not develop over the course of the novel—the ideal man does not need to change. Although Rand despised religion, she often describes Roark as if he is a religious figure. Roark does not preach, and he never actively seeks converts, but he inspires absolute devotion and rapture in his followers. Cameron, Mallory, Dominique, and Wynand change their entire belief systems after meeting him. Dominique in particular exhibits a religious passion for Roark, racked by ecstasy and guilt as if inspired by a messiah. Like all Christ figures in literature, Roark’s enemies persecute him. Despite the hatred of the world, Roark lives life as Rand thinks it should be lived.”

I have been trying to live up to Roark’s character of independence and integrity,and I feel to do so ,I must leave what I have here. What I have here in California, to start fresh and clean. Not guilty or regretful for what I have done in the past. To have no shame any longer, to be, in my own way, religious.