What is the theme of The Fountainhead?
The theme, as Ayn Rand states it, is individualism versus collectivism, not in politics but in men’s souls. The book is about the conflict between those who think for themselves and those who allow others to dominate their lives. According to Ayn Rand, the goal of her writing is the presentation of an ideal man.
Is the fountainhead appropriate?
You should totally do it. I think that if anyone is a reader, then they can tackle The Fountainhead. I tackled it at 17 and found it very enjoyable. The way I see it, you can get through it for its plot, its characters, its ideas, or for the money.
What does Ayn Rand think of collectivism?
Collectivism, in Ayn Rand’s view, is the belief that the individual should be subjugated to the group and sacrificed for the common good. Anthem depicts the evils to which collectivism leads when implemented consistently. In Anthem’s totalitarian society every aspect of life is dictated by the state.
What inspired Ayn Rand to write The Fountainhead?
In writing the character of Howard Roark, Rand was inspired by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Rand’s stated goal in writing fiction was to portray her vision of an ideal man. The character of Howard Roark, the protagonist of The Fountainhead, was the first instance where she believed she had achieved this.
Is the fountainhead based on a true story?
The issue of conformity in the story relates to another real-life movement of the time. The Fountainhead takes place in America in the 1920s and 1930s. Roark and his mentor, Henry Cameron, are early designers of the modern style.
How many copies of The Fountainhead have been sold worldwide?
The Fountainhead. More than 6.5 million copies of The Fountainhead have been sold worldwide and it has been translated into more than 20 languages. The novel attracted a new following for Rand and has enjoyed a lasting influence, especially among architects, American conservatives and right-libertarians .
Is “the fountainhead” about politics?
But The Fountainhead is not fundamentally about politics. The book warns against a more subtle manifestation of collectivism, one that underlies the political danger and makes that danger possible. Although all human beings have minds, many people choose not to use theirs, looking instead to others for guidance.