"The Fountainhead"

Ayn Rand’s novel, The Fountainhead, revolves around a society’s struggle to accept the importance of the individual. This theme is shown within the discussion between Henry Cameron and Howard Roark. Cameron announces to Roark that he is fired for creating a sketch of a building. Cameron claims that the design is too skilled and that society will never accept the sketch. He warns Roark that he would be an outcast. This scene reveals the nature of society and the characters of Howard Roark and Henry Cameron.

The conversation that takes place between Cameron and Roark extensively displays society’s unwillingness to encounter or accept individuality. Cameron’s critical tone of voice asserts that he is serious about the nature of society and that he wants Roark not to live the life that Cameron is currently experiencing. Cameron’s tone is enhanced with the fact that he himself is the main speaker; Roark only is able to say a few sentences. Cameron explains that idea that he needs to find a new hobby because Roark is too great at architecture and society would condemn that skill or any other skill. Cameron’s tone reveals that the society that he and Roark are currently living in does not embrace individuality. Society’s connotation of individuality is very negative. The citizens do not want to embrace individuality because individuality would lead to changes. No one welcomes any aspect that is new, modern, or unfamiliar. Their society is very traditional and they believe that the way to have “safe” lives is to never change what occurs within their own society. People reject individuals who bring and attempt to spread new ideas. If society allows this to occur, they would have failed at what they have being working toward- a society with no change, no modernization.

            The dialogue between Cameron and Roark also exemplifies Roark’s determined character. Cameron is the dominant speaker in the conversation while Roark only says a few words. Cameron asks Roark for the final time if he wants to have the terrible life that Cameron is having and Roark simply replies “yes.” This one word is profoundly important because the reader is able to decipher more about Roark’s complex and ambitious character. The word “yes” is very direct and promising. When he said yes, he indicated to Cameron that he is unwavering. His mindset will not change about being an architect and displaying his skills. Roark would rather be ridiculed as a result of working at his best abilities than being ordinary and never trying to reach his full potential. Even though Cameron tells him that his designs will never be featured, Roark does not believe him. He desires to think and live independently of others. He would not allow anyone to influence or prevent him from reaching his dream of erecting his designs. He is not concerned about being liked and being a “normal” person. He would not compromise his work life for a great social life.  If he is not designing and not having his creative designs being built, he would not enjoy life.

            Cameron’s character is perceived through his intense discussion with Roark. As stated earlier, Cameron is the dominant speaker within the conversation. Through this aspect, the reader can see that Cameron is very assertive. He controls where and how the conversation will begin and end. He strikes down any phrases spoken by Roark and he demands Roark’s attention because he knows how cruel society can be. Although Cameron’s assertiveness is the trait that is primarily observed, he is not the flat character that he is initially perceived to be. The reader can see that Cameron is not as strong and not as confident he used to be when he was Roark’s age. He is the complete opposite of Roark. Roark believes that focusing on what others think is useless. He has no interest in the opinions of others. Unlike Roark, Cameron is concerned about what others think of him. Cameron has been influenced too much by the pressures of the world and he has the inability to ignore what others think of him. This inability has controlled his life so much that he is now at the lowest point in his career. He feels so angry with himself that he feels that he needs to warn others, especially the person who is a resemblance of his past self (Roark), not to take the same path that he had taken. He believes that if Roark continues his life the way he wants it to be, he will eventually become miserable and just like him.

            Cameron and Roark’s discussion within the novel The Fountainhead unveils vital information about the society, Roark’s character, and Cameron’s character. Roark’s tone reveals the true nature of society. The society is not as perfect as people want it to be. The society’s flaw is its inability to embrace individuality for the fear of change. Although Cameron tries his hardest to change Roark’s mindset about the road Roark wants to take, Cameron is unsuccessful. Roark is determined to reach his full potential, regardless of the opinions and actions of others. Cameron’s stance within the conversation also reveals that Cameron is not only assertive but also caring. He has become depressed and ashamed of what his life has come to be.