Books : "The Fountainhead" - a kinder, gentler Ayn Rand?!

"The Fountainhead" - a kinder, gentler Ayn Rand?!

I have to admit I love “The Fountainhead” and “Atlas Shrugged”, having read both when I was a teenager (as Stephen Bach said, maybe the best time to read “The Fountainhead”) But when you think about it, "The Fountainhead is pretty mellow compared to “Atlas Shrugged.” (Spoilers, obviously, to follow!)

In “The Fountainhead,” the main villain is Ellsworth Toohey. Second is probably Peter Keating, but I always felt sorry for Peter at the end of the book. I certainly didn’t feel sorry for any of the bad guys at the end of “Atlas Shrugged.” Guy Francon is also portrayed as a phony throughout the book, but at the end he regains some dignity and honor by sitting with Howard Roark’s friends at the trial, and finally understanding his daughter.

Nobody dies in “The Fountainhead.” Even Ellsworth manages to get another job at the end of the novel. In “Atlas Shrugged,” even some of the good guys die – Eddie Willers and Cherryl Brooks (I refuse to call her Cherryl Taggart!) because although good, they’re not smart enough.

Howard Roark originally works at companies that mangle his designs, and helps Peter throughout the book by doing his work for him secretly. I can’t picture Dagny Taggart or Hank Rearden doing that. Or John Galt, either, whoever he is!

And yes, I know she wrote "The Fountainhead" before "Atlas Shrugged."



“It’s a zucchini, and you can only have one.”
“Who the hell would want more?”

Re: "The Fountainhead" - a kinder, gentler Ayn Rand?!

Horrible writer, even worse person.

Re: "The Fountainhead" - a kinder, gentler Ayn Rand?!

You're spot on. I understand why Mr. Bach is of the opinion that any of her work is best read while one is a teen as only the undeveloped mind of a naïve youth would ever possibly hold her philosophy or writing in high regard.

Re: "The Fountainhead" - a kinder, gentler Ayn Rand?!

There is no "kindler, gentler Ayn Rand." She's an awful, cold-hearted libertarian with a sick philosophy. She's a misanthrope. I don't recommend anyone read her stuff as it will only cause harm, and boredom.

Re: "The Fountainhead" - a kinder, gentler Ayn Rand?!

I actually think "We The Living", Rand's historical novel of post-revolutionary Russia, is her strongest work. It doesn't have that awkward narrative break (John Galt's radio speech, Howard Roark's testimony) and has a cast of very well-defined characters.
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