The Fountainhead

The Fountainhead

by

Ayn Rand

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The Fountainhead: Part 4: Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Roark has just finished building a summer resort in Monadnock Valley. More than a year ago, he had gone to see Caleb Bradley, the head of the company that had bought the land, and was surprised when he’d landed the project. He demanded that Bradley sign and approve each plan, which he did. He “seemed delighted to let Roark have his way.” Roark didn’t think about him much for the next 18 months since he was so busy building “his greatest assignment.” He lived in a shanty on the land, joined by his old draftsmen and crew, many of whom gave up better jobs in the city to join him. They enjoy building and working together.
As always, Roark focuses solely on the opportunity to build and the joy this brings him, and doesn’t worry too much about the circumstances and the people that surround this.
Themes
Individualism Theme Icon
When Mallory first sees Bradley, he feels “anger without reason—and fear.” He tells Roark he suspects it will be like the Stoddard Temple all over again. Roark agrees, but says he cannot figure out exactly how or why. Still, he says, it doesn’t matter, because they got to build it, which is the only important part.
It seems like Roark focuses on the essential act of building, while others, like Mallory and Dominique, worry too much about the consequences of actions. Roark wants to build, and he builds selfishly, whenever he can.
Themes
Individualism Theme Icon
Love and Selfishness Theme Icon
Before the resort is completed, Roark hears from Kent Lansing, who says he has finally gotten complete control over the Aquitania project and that Roark can now finish it. Roark is also busy with small projects—houses, shops, small office buildings—that he is hired to build around the country by people who’ve seen and admired some of his other work. When the resort is finally complete, he doesn’t have time to worry about it, but Mallory does, wondering why it isn’t being advertised.
Roark is not yet a hugely successful architect, but he has enough projects to keep him busy and happy—unlike Keating who has achieved success in the world’s eyes but is personally unhappy.
Themes
Individualism Theme Icon
Integrity vs. Conformity Theme Icon
However, within a month of being opened, every house in Monadnock Valley is rented by people who value its beauty and privacy. In October, Mallory rushes into Roark’s office with the newspaper, showing him an article about Bradley being arrested for fraud. He and his gang had sold 200% of its shares and had wanted it to fail. They thought the land was worthless, and had chosen Roark as “the worst architect they could find.” Roark laughs, finding the whole thing funny while Mallory is very upset. Roark wonders when Mallory and Dominique will stop thinking about the world. In the scandal that follows, Roark becomes suddenly famous in art circles. Austen Heller writes a passionate defense of him that generates a lot of buzz around his name, and he begins to get commissions.
Despite the lack of publicity for the resort, Roark’s work speaks for itself and the resort is full. From the beginning, Roark has been sure that his work will find clients who appreciate it for its excellence, and he is proven right. When Roark finds out that Bradley chose him as the worst architect he could find, Roark’s reaction is one of amusement, while Mallory—like Dominique—is hurt about other people’s low opinions of Roark.
Themes
Individualism Theme Icon
Integrity vs. Conformity Theme Icon
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In the spring of 1936, Roark is chosen to be part of a council of the country’s best architects to design a World’s Fair. Roark tells them that while he would be happy to work for them alone, he doesn’t work with “collectives” and that he “[doesn’t] consult, […] cooperate, […] collaborate.” People are offended at his refusal, and Toohey writes that it is evidence of Roark’s “egotism, the arrogance of the unbridled individualism which he has always personified.” In November, Roark comes into his office and his secretary excitedly tells him that Wynand wants to meet him the following day.
Roark believes firmly in integrity, and he thinks that even buildings must have integrity by being centered around one person’s vision and a single defining idea. He knows this will be impossible to achieve with a group of architects. Also, he believes firmly in individualism and thinks that groups are inefficient and lack clarity—a sentiment that the book itself echoes. Rather than work on a prestigious project with a group, Roark chooses to forgo the opportunity.
Themes
Individualism Theme Icon
Integrity vs. Conformity Theme Icon
Rationality vs. Emotion Theme Icon
Quotes