In the first note she wrote for The Fountainhead, Ian Rand described her purpose as "defending the true meaning of selfishness... a new definition of egoism and its living examples." Later, it affirmed The theme is "Individualism and collectivism, not in politics, but in the human soul; the psychological motives and basic premises that produce individualism or collectivism."
The selfish "living example" is Howard Locke , "An architect and innovator who breaks tradition, [and] does not recognize any authority except his own independent judgment." Locke's individualism is in sharp contrast to the spiritual collectivism of many people. The other characters are variants of the "second-hand" theme: thinking, acting, and second-hand life.
Roark is struggling to endure not only professional rejection, but also the hostility of Ellsworth Toohey, dear humanitarian and architectural critic, powerful publisher Gail Wynand and beautiful columnist Dominique Ver Rankin (Dominique Francon), he loves him passionately, but wants to ruin his career. The font has earned Rand an enduring reputation as one of the greatest champions of individualism in history.
Application Criteria for The Fountainhead Essay Contest in USA
SELECT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING THREE TOPICS:
- Howard Roark says to Gail Wynand: “Look at everyone around us. You’ve wondered why they suffer, why they seek happiness and never find it. If any man stopped and asked himself whether he’s ever held a truly personal desire, he’d find the answer. . . . He can’t say about a single thing: ‘This is what I wanted because I wanted it, not because it made my neighbors gape at me.’ . . . The things which are sacred or precious to us are the things we withdraw from promiscuous sharing. But now we are taught to throw everything within us into public light and common pawing.” In light of this view, what do you think Roark would make of people’s behavior today on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram? Give examples of what he might approve or disapprove of. Would you agree or disagree with his evaluation? Explain your position.
- Dominique says to Alvah Scarret: “I take the only desire one can really permit oneself. Freedom, Alvah, freedom. . . . To ask nothing. To expect nothing. To depend on nothing.” What does Dominique mean by this, and how does she act on her view over the course of the novel? What is Dominique’s perspective on this kind of “freedom” at the end of the novel, and why?
- After the death of Lucius Heyer, Keating tells himself: “He had nothing to regret; he had done what anyone would have done; Catherine had said it, he was selfish; everybody was selfish; it was not a pretty thing, to be selfish, but he was not alone in it.” What do you think is motivating Keating to tell himself this at this point in the story? What does The Fountainhead have to say about whether what he’s saying is true? Do you agree? Why or why not?
Grading criteria:
Essays will be judged based on whether students have the ability to defend and prove their opinions, not whether the college agrees with the opinions expressed by students. The judges will seek clear, clear and logically organized writing. Award-winning essays must show an outstanding understanding of the philosophical significance of "The Fountainhead".
Rules and requirements
- Competitions are open to students from all over the world, unless invalid or prohibited by law.
- Entrants must be in grade 11 or 12 in any part of the school year in which the competition is held. Ayn Rand Institute reserves the right to make exceptions to this rule for international students or non-standard school year students based on specific circumstances. All winners must verify school registration.
- Entries must be submitted electronically through the online portal. If you are unable to submit your paper electronically, please contact us at essays@aynrand.org.
- The essay must be written in English only, and must be no less than 800 and no more than 1,600 words, double-spaced. Spelling errors and/or written corrections (by anyone) found in the essay will be counted in the final grade and must be omitted before submission.
- One entry per student per game.
- Papers must be submitted online by 11:59 PM. Pacific Time of the registration deadline. Ayn Rand Institute reserves the right to extend the deadline for the competition as deemed appropriate.
- The essay must be entirely the work of the contestant. Plagiarism will result in disqualification. The articles must not infringe any third party rights or intellectual property rights of any individual, company or organization. By submitting an article to this contest, the entrant agrees to compensate the Ayn Rand Institute for any claims, lawsuits, lawsuits, or other allegations caused by entrant's infringement of trademark, copyright, or other legally protected interests. by the participant in any way. paper.
- The decision of the judges is final.
- Ayn Rand Institute employees, its board of directors and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate in the competition. The previous first place winner is not eligible to participate in this competition.
- All entries become the property of the Aye Rand Institute and will not be returned.
- All participants will receive the results via email by August 2022.
- Winners are responsible for providing their email address and other information required by law in order to receive the prize. Prizes must be claimed within six months after results are announced. The 4,444 winners agreed to allow the Ayn Rand Institute to publish their names on any ARI affiliated website. The first article can be published in its entirety on any of these websites and give the author complete confidence. The 4,444 winners agreed to participate in the interview and allowed the Aye Rand Institute to quote their famous quotes and take photos, movies or videos of them. The
- Winner also granted the Iron Rand Institute: Center for the Advancement of Objectivism the right to edit, use, and reuse the products listed above for non-profit purposes, including print, the Internet, and all other forms of media. The
- Winner exempts Ayn Rand Institute and its agents and employees from any types of claims, demands and responsibilities related to the above.
- The winner will be solely responsible for federal, state or local taxes.
Eligible Nationalities for The Fountainhead Essay Contest in USA
All Countries