Fountainhead Blog #1

1.) Explain in detail the reasons for Howard Roark's expulsion from the Stanton Institute of Technology. The Dean states that Roark has "a determined little group of defenders" among the faculty, while other professors "felt it their duty" to vote for his expulsion. Why do the faculty members on each side evaluate Roark and his work so differently?

Roark was expelled from Stanton because his work was too “extreme”. And because his work was too “extreme”, he fought for what he believed in. Thus, getting expelled from Stanton.
Roark was called into the Deans office on graduate day, and the Dean asked Roark back. Roark stated that he didn’t want to do the same thing over and over; he wanted to do his work, his way. The Dean explained that some of his Professors did want him to stay, but the disapproval of his work outweighed the approval.
The faculty views Roark as different because of how he works. He is “rude” to some, and a know-it-all to others. This attitude outraged the faculty of Stanton Institute of Technology.

3.) Peter Keating graduates as valedictorian from the Stanton Institute of Technology. Does this mean that he is an outstanding architectural student? By what methods did he get such high grades? What does this say regarding his moral character?

Because Peter graduated as valedictorian from his class doesn’t mean that he is a brilliant architect. Howard is a much better architect then him. And at one time, Peter was afraid that Howard would beat him in ranks. However, Howard was expelled, hence the reason Peter stopped worrying about him.
There was also Shlinker, who was very close to beating Peter, but Peter excelled. If Peter was truly the best architect, he shouldn’t have to worry about others beating him and he should just design, like Howard does. He was only valedictorian because he did what he was told, and when he needed help, he asked for Howard’s help.
Asking for Howard’s proved that he was weak and needed more schooling. But he had two offers and felt that he was good enough to go through in his career. This once again proved that his moral character was extremely weak.

5.) Roark gains employment with Henry Cameron. Cameron, though a genius, is a commercial failure. Why has society rejected his work? Why does Roark nevertheless revere him? What qualities do Roark and Cameron share in common? What is the fundamental difference between them and Francon and Keating?

Society has rejected Cameron because of his status in the public. Once successful, Cameron did buildings that stunned even the greatest architects. Because of these amazing building, less and less people turned to Cameron to design stunning buildings.
Roark goes to work for Cameron because he feels that Cameron is still as amazing as he once was. Even when people disagreed with Roark’s decision (Keating), Roark thought that Cameron could teach him everything that he needs to be a successful architect. Plus, Roark and Cameron were so alike in that they both design buildings that awe people. They both push the boundaries.
Francon and Keating are, in my opinion, “fence riders”. They do what others want. While it is important to listen to the customers, originality is just as important. Roark and Cameron build buildings that represents them and their style.

6.) Citing specifics from the story, describe the means by which Keating seeks to rise to the top of Francon's firm? Explain the meaning of Keating's methods. Why do they work at Francon's? Would Keating's methods work similarly well at Cameron's? Why?

Keating is really a smart backstabber. Francon’s partner, Stengel, was fired after Keating told on him. Once Stengel was fired, Keating became chief.
Keating’s work wouldn’t work at all at Cameron’s office. Cameron has a different personality then Francon. Keating can easily get over on Francon, while Cameron is more of a stern and hardworking employer. It doesn’t help that Cameron has a smaller business then Francon.




7.) Though Keating often leaves Catherine Halsey waiting weeks for him to call, the author makes it clear that Catherine is special to him. How does the author show Keating's love for Catherine? In contrast to Keating's motive for pursuing his other values (in work, for e.g.), what personal significance does his relationship with Catherine have? What fate will befall Peter if he betrays his love for her?

Peter is madly in love with Katie, or Catherine. He makes this clear in one particular way. Once he found out who her father was, Ellsworth Toohey, an established architect critic, he avoided meeting him through Katie. He didn’t want to use her.
His personal significance with Katie is that he desperately loves her. Whenever he is sad and needs cheering up, he can either visit her or just the memory of her excites him.
Peter is hoping to marry Katie early in the book. He said after he has his feet planted in his job, he will marry her. But after a night that Katie freaked over her Uncle, Peter agrees to marry her, proving his love for her. Later, Peter takes back his marriage agreement that he made the night before.