The Fountainhead

The theme of Ayn Rand's novel The Fountainhead is the struggle between individualism and collectivism as seen in the characteristics of human beings. The motives and actions of the characters Howard Roark, Peter Keating and Ellsworth Toohey clearly dramatize this theme. Roark is a strong individualist who refuses to compromise any of his values. Keating, on the other hand, is a collectivist who has no ideas of his own and simply follows what others have done. Toohey is a newspaper columnist who preaches collectivism. However, in contrast to Keating, Toohey does not wish to follow others but rather wishes to have power over them.

Early in the novel, it is established that Keating is a follower of others. His inability to make decisions about his own life sharply contrasts the strength and determination of Roark. In an early scene, Roark tells Keating that it is a mistake to ask other people for advice. The differences between the two men becomes clear when Roark asks: "Don't

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