Johnson 1 Dani Johnson AP English 12 Mr.

Roddy 4/26/12 Altruists and Egoists Ayn Rand clearly separates the characters in The Fountainhead into two types of people, altruists and egotists. From an early point in the story, the development of the characteristics that define each respective type of person is directly modeled through the motives, methods and functioning of the main characters: Peter Keating, Ellsworth Toohey, Catherine Halsey and himself as Howard Roark presents in his speech during his trial of the Cortlandt housing project bombing. Howard Roark defines altruism as the doctrine which demands that man live for others and place others above self, (680). An altruist or second-hander has used altruism as a weapon of exploitation and reversed the base of mankinds moral principles, (680). Peter Keating, Ellsworth Toohey and Catherine Halsey are all guilty of being altruists in separate ways. From the time the reader meets Peter Keating, it is understood that he is successful because he caters his work to anyone as long as they will pay and take pleasure from it. He follows the traditional views of architecture by incorporating timeless techniques from Greek and Roman styles but takes on projects such as the Cortlandt housing project to gain recognition and remain well-liked by everyone. Besides accepting all sorts of architectural projects that strip away any of his individual style, Peter Keating demonstrates his altruistic nature when he seeks help from Howard Roark on many of his projects. He has so little architectural insight independent from the lessons he was taught in school that, when confronted with a problem never occurring before, he is unable to think of a solution on his own. When he begins to lose his fame, he doesnt try to

Johnson 2 perform better or create something new to awe society, he seeks the help of Ellsworth Toohey for more publicity in hopes that people will notice him once again. Peter Keating is an altruist because he is motivated by the approval of society and cannot think for himself. Catherine Halsey, the girl next door, whom Peter Keating always run back to when in need of love, demonstrates altruistic characteristics in ways quite opposite of Peters. Peter wanted to be loved by everyone, while Catherine believes she is just one of several billion people and too small to receive recognition or praise. Instead, she devotes all of her time to others. As a young woman, she works for her uncle, finding articles and doing whatever he needed of her. When Peter meets her years later, she has changed directions, supposedly following her own interests to a social working job in Washington. She tells Peter their marriage would never have worked out because she is temperamentally unsuited to domesticity. Its too selfish and narrow, (598). Catherine Halsey is an altruist because she puts others before herself and believes selflessness is the ultimate liberation while selfishness creates decay and corruption. Ellsworth Toohey is perhaps the worst altruist of all the characters because he not only displays the characteristics of a second-hander, he is fully aware of the differences between the two types of people, believes collectivism is the answer to societys problems and consciously chooses to follow these ideals. As a kid, he found that he captured the attention of his weaker, needier classmates; and he used that power over people to his advantage. He collects even more influence over his followers by creating clubs and associations where less respected members of the art world can meet and discuss their problems. He uses his position on The Wynand Papers to publicize the club members and suddenly the lesser artists are famous and indebt to Ellsworth Toohey. Peter Keating is a prime example. Ellsworth Toohey makes Peter famous then slowly stops mentioning Peters architecture at all. By doing so, Ellsworth Toohey gains control over

Johnson 3 Peter through his need for societys recognition and approval of his work. Peter Keating now needs Ellsworth Toohey in order to find the fulfillment he desires. Seizing control over others in order to promote the perfected world where the masses cooperate under the rule of a few individuals not seeking power but, instead, a utopia of civilization is what makes Ellsworth Toohey an altruist. Howard Roark characterizes the perfect egotist. From the start of the novel, he is unafraid of the consequences to always following his individual thoughts. He is kicked out of architecture school because he refuses to create buildings using techniques and designs from the past. He says, The Parthenon did not serve the same purpose as its wooden ancestor. An airline terminal does not serve the same purpose as the Parthenon, (24). He does not use past principles and guidelines to solve the building problems of the present. Howard Roark has found his own style and stays true to it throughout the novel when he risks poverty and going to jail twice. He is motivated only by his appreciation for creating a building the way he wants. He nearly goes to jail the first time because he designs the Stoddard Temple to the human spirit which opposes conventional religious practices of looking to God for answers. He takes extreme measures and is put on trial a second time when he bombs the Cortlandt housing project he designed for Peter Keating because he cannot stand the defacement a few architects put on his work. In his second trail, Howard Roarks defense is not justification of his innocence or guiltiness. It is justification of his motives for the action. He uses the opportunity with so many prominent members of society present to raise awareness about the altruist and egotist. Despite being selfish when it comes to his individuality, thoughts and feelings, Howard is more than willing to share with others his knowledge of the second-handing altruists and the contributions made by egotists. He does not try to control his listeners and force them to follow his ideals. He does not try to please

Johnson 4 everyone. He does not try to find liberation in helping others understand. He finds happiness in simply being himself and creating something new for the world. Because of this, he demonstrates the characteristics of the ultimate egotist. In Howard Roarks speech during the Cortlandt housing project trial, he explains to the jury and audience how altruists and egotists are motivated, think and behave. Ayn Rand supports his thesis of each type of person through Peter Keatings need for attention, Catherine Halseys commitment to selfless employment in search of salvation, Ellsworth Tooheys plan to control the world and Howard Roarks persistence to follow his own ideals despite pressure to conform. She demonstrates through each of their lives that Peter Keating, Catherine Halsey and Ellsworth Toohey are altruists; and Howard Roark is the only true egotist.