Fascinating analysis. You could have concluded that _The Fountainhead_ was part of a growth process for Rand as well as depicting Roark's, and I would agree. I don't find it so improbable that Roark could be highly aloof and isolated during his college years. He had at least a casual friendship with Peter Keating then, no doubt one of very few, and that helps to explain why he later made such an ill-considered choice to help him. His is a different, and I would even say more interesting, development arc from Dagny Taggart and Hank Rearden, who grow mainly in their ability to judge the people and the system around them.
I believe The Fountainhead was part of a growth process for Rand, almost like therapy. She once said that Dominique was herself on a bad day, and one of the story arcs in the novel concerns how Dominique changes her perspective on how awful the world is. Rand probably went through a similar process in writing the book.
Thank you! I know how much you love The Fountainhead. Maybe you could write an essay(s) about one of your favorites?? I'd love to see your take on Jane Eyre.
One of these days, Kurt . . . Right now, I have time only for brief "Weekly Wonderings," as I am in the thick of writing a book on secular spirituality. I aim to have a full first draft by the middle of this year. :o)
Fascinating analysis. You could have concluded that _The Fountainhead_ was part of a growth process for Rand as well as depicting Roark's, and I would agree. I don't find it so improbable that Roark could be highly aloof and isolated during his college years. He had at least a casual friendship with Peter Keating then, no doubt one of very few, and that helps to explain why he later made such an ill-considered choice to help him. His is a different, and I would even say more interesting, development arc from Dagny Taggart and Hank Rearden, who grow mainly in their ability to judge the people and the system around them.
I believe The Fountainhead was part of a growth process for Rand, almost like therapy. She once said that Dominique was herself on a bad day, and one of the story arcs in the novel concerns how Dominique changes her perspective on how awful the world is. Rand probably went through a similar process in writing the book.
This is one of my favorite essays you have published, Kurt!
Thank you! I know how much you love The Fountainhead. Maybe you could write an essay(s) about one of your favorites?? I'd love to see your take on Jane Eyre.
One of these days, Kurt . . . Right now, I have time only for brief "Weekly Wonderings," as I am in the thick of writing a book on secular spirituality. I aim to have a full first draft by the middle of this year. :o)
Let me know if you want me as a beta reader!
I would love that, Kurt!! Thank you for offering. I'll keep you posted. <3