A Novel That Makes a Deep Impact

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Hari_P_R]Hari P R
One reads several books in the course of his life. Some of these books he forgets about the moment he is done with them. Some he regrets reading. Some he enjoys reading, and forgets about later. Few books influence the reader in a way that would change his attitude towards life and the world. Ayn Rand's classic, 'The Fountainhead', is one of them.
The book begins with an introduction to its protagonist, the impregnable Howard Roark. An architect who is firm in his belief that architectural designs should be original and not rehashes of designs of bygone eras, he comes across to most people as a maverick - as someone who just does not belong in the world as it is. He believes in originality and productivity of work, and is uncompromising in his beliefs, ideals and principles.
He joins a leading architectural firm, but unable to stand the fact that the processes the firm has in place severely restrict his creative abilities and hence his quality of work, he quits the job. He joins Henry Cameron, a man whose passion for architecture and high ideals are comparable to his own, and who has been deemed a failure by society. Henry Cameron is impressed by Roark, but warns him that going against the existing norms, though ideologically correct, would lead to painful consequences. Howard Roark, however, is prepared to undergo any hardship in preference to compromising on his principles.
He comes across several people from time to time. Peter Keating, his once classmate and a man who has high social standing but little esteem, who keeps approaching Roark from time to time to seek help on his architectural designs, and who hardly lives his life on his own terms. Ellsworth M Toohey, the antagonist, a famous writer who can influence public opinion, and who has, over several years, mastered the art of manipulating people's opinion to his advantage. Gail Wynand, a man of great abilities and intellect, but who, unfortunately, does not put them to good use, and instead, engages in yellow journalism just for the sake of making some money. Dominique Francon, Roark's love interest, a woman of iron strength and a great mind, who understands and loves Roark like no one else does.
The story, then, is about how Roark goes through life, defying the people who desperately want to bring him down and refusing to compromise even to the slightest extent even in difficult times. His level-headed attitude and absolute love for what he does finally helps him succeed, as he starts bagging big contracts and making people notice and appreciate his work. In the climax of the novel, he puts himself in a position, purposefully, where he has to face a court trial. In the trial, he makes a long and dispassionate appeal to people to recognize the fact that all progress has been made only because man has constantly innovated and experimented, and that making a person work within the confines of past processes and frameworks will only slow down, or even halt progress.
By the time the reader finishes reading the book, he would already be hoping he could transform into Howard Roark. Such is the impact the book makes on the reader. While certain views of the author - such as her opinion on poverty alleviation - are open to debate, the overall philosophy that she proposes through the book is compelling, and will get the reader thinking.
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