Preparing For The Fountainhead Essay Contest
The Fountainhead Essay Contest is based on the novel “The Fountainhead” by Ayn Rand. The book is a reflection of how man reacts in situation where he has to make a decision about individual opinion against what society decides is right. Howard Roark is a modern age architect born much before his time. All through the novel, he is shown to have his own opinion about how architecture should be represented in this time. He is against tradition and socialistic norms that are followed by most people. Ayn Rand has created an individual who stands by what he says and is ready to fight off anyone who has objection to his designs. He is an intelligent idealist with a stubborn bend of mind.
Ayn Rand presents a clear picture of an idealistic man in this literature essay. Can an idealist survive in a world that has more followers than leaders? The story shows how by setting high standards for himself, Roark proves he can survive without pressurizing others, except through reason. The Fountainhead essay contest provides participants a chance to understand and analyze the character of Ellsworth Toohey, an architectural critic and sociologist. Toohey believes in establishing a society for the masses, one without privacy. The individual has nothing to look forward to in terms of excellence but is encouraged to pry into the lives of others. People in Toohey’s world are driven by glory without having any real power.
Another important character fit to be analyzed in the literature review writing exercise is Gail Wynand, who also believes in controlling minds. He is power hungry and finds his own integrity coming in the way of gaining power through his paper “The Banner.” He publishes what people want to read about. Dominique Francon is the beautiful daughter of Guy Fracon, another established architect. She is calculating but appreciates beauty. Fed up with seeing the same old architecture around, she meets Roark and loves him for his individual approach and sense of beauty. As in an Atlas Shrugged essay, Ayn Rand has created powerful characters that are capable of shaping the future. Dominique’s character, however, is contradictory. She believes in what Roark stands for but outwardly is looking to destroy him.
The Fountainhead essay contest is held every year for the 11th and 12th graders by the Ayn Rand Institute (ARI), a nonprofit organization based in California. In 2010, one of the three topics was – Howard Roark refuses a major contract when he most needs it, claiming that his action was “the most selfish thing you’ve ever seen a man do.” (Ch. 15) Why does he call his action “selfish”? And why do other people call it “selfless”? It is quite obvious students are being encouraged to read the book in order to do full justice to their Fountainhead essay contest entry. The essays are judged on the basis that applicants have fully understood the philosophy behind the novel. They have to demonstrate a flair for writing, and thoughts based on their analysis have to be clear and well organized.
