Ayn Rand's 1943 novel The Fountainhead
The Fountainhead is the first major work of fiction by the author. The book follows the life of young architect Howard Roark as he fights against conventional standards and refuses to compromise with the architectural establishment. It has many themes that appeal to young readers, including love, life, and art. It is an incredibly powerful book, which should not be missed. Here, we'll explore some of the many themes of the novel and discuss why we should read it.
Characters
The Fountainhead is a novel set in the 1920s and 1930s. It is a work of modernist fiction written by Ayn Rand. Despite being set in a fictional world, the book has real historical parallels. In the novel, American architects are trying to imitate the Greek and Roman styles. The novel depicts these struggles and offers readers a new perspective on the issues of class and culture. In this article, we will look at some of the characters in the novel and discuss how they differ from one another.
Sub-themes
Throughout The Fountainhead, there are several sub-themes. Although many of these are not explicitly stated, they serve as systems of motifs that reinforce the central theme and add additional texture and ornament. The first of these sub-themes is the relationship between man and nature. This theme is explored in the character of Roark, the First Man. In contrast, the Artificial Men are ugly parasites who think and act through other people.
Influence on Libertarian Party
A long-time critic of government, Nolan began his political career as a Vietnam War opponent and went on to support President Richard Nixon, and in the 1960s, he co-founded Students for Goldwater at M.I.T. He later moved to Colorado where he worked in public relations and advertising. Nolan was also a prominent member of the Cato Institute. His legacy lives on in the Libertarian Party, which he founded in 1971.
Rejection by publishers
Ayn Rand's novel The Fountainhead was rejected by 12 publishers. These publishers criticized the book as being too intellectual and controversial, while others felt it glorified individualism and collectivism. However, Ayn Rand refused to change her book. Ultimately, it was the publisher Archie Ogden who recommended publication. In the end, the manuscript was published and the novel achieved critical acclaim.
Reception by young people
The Fountainhead received mixed reviews from critics. Some thought it was too intellectual and extolled individualism, while others argued that it promoted collectivism and detested organized religion. Regardless of the controversy surrounding the book, it was an instant best seller and was very well received by young people, particularly by the business elite. The book's unique combination of accessible philosophy and extreme romanticism drew readers from a broad demographic. It also evoked a sense of rebellion against traditional authority and convention. It implied that readers should seek to emulate the characters, and so retreated from social convention.
