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Main Themes In Ayn Rand's Novel 'The Fountainhead'

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Main Theme) The novel The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, has many themes that are represented throughout. However, one of the most prominent moments in the novel which relates most strongly with the themes of The Fountainhead was when Ellsworth Toohey confronts Howard Roark and says, “Mr. Roark, we’re alone here. Why don’t you tell me what you think of me?” To which Roark replies, “But I don’t think of you.” This brief exchange of words between the two men tells all there is about the themes of Ayn Rand’s novel. Roark’s statement conveys the themes of the nature of reality, integrity, and individualism.
To start with, Howard Roark’s statement to Ellsworth Toohey really conveyed the theme of the nature of reality. The nature of reality fits in with the main theme of Ayn Rand’s objectivism. This idea of the nature of reality is certain and absolute. Howard believes that facts are facts. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. Nobody’s goals, fears, hopes, or needs matter. Howard believes that his thinking and thoughts must be practical and everything he does is based on this philosophy. Howard doesn’t care about what societies …show more content…

Howard’s integrity has a direct link to his sense of individualism. In the novel, it is virtually every man for his or herself. The only opinion that should matter is their own, and they must reject everyone else’s opinion, hence refusing to conform to society’s opinions. When Howard states that he does not think of Toohey at all, he is embracing his individuality. Howard finds him irrelevant, and his opinion of him doesn’t matter at all because the only thing that matters is what Howard thinks of himeself. In order for Roark to be his own person and not conform to society’s standards, he must act selfishly. Howard’s sense of individuality is one of the greatest virtues he can possess along with his

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