Monday, May 19, 2008

Howard Roark or Peter Keating?

Sounds like a great question; although the novel suggests otherwise. For people who havent read "The FountainHead" , I recommend that you read it. Howard Roark is the quintessential man who is "as man should be" while Peter Keating is the supposed "the man who couldn't be, and doesn't know it". Roark is ideal; he falls to the edge of wretchedness before regenerating from the ashes - ideology is his life. Keating is pragmatic, wants to be liked, and is a victim of his own desires.
He embodies the result of a soulless man devoted to altruistic means. Rather Intriguing!

4 comments:

VaishKan said...

Yeah... but I'm sure there are more Keatings than Roark amongst us.

Solarisis said...

Vaish: true, but doesnt society makes Keatings out of Roarks for its own slowdown in progress? the reason being that it wants masses to move rather than a single man moving forward? The culprit still being the individual who judges another coz he represents society, - rather awkward,isnt it?

First name Last name said...

Naan "Fountainhead" innum padikalai. Padichitu comment vidaren... I need to understand "Objectivism" completely...

Unknown said...

Roark,anyday!