I have now finished part one. Two major events have occurred which reveal telling traits of our "protagonists". The first is Keating's victory in the Most Beautiful Building contest - which he won by using Roark's design. The 2nd is Roark's refusal to compromise his design in any way for the bank - a commission he truly needs to survive financially in the architectural world.
Keating's victory seems so hollow. He has what he wants with money and fame but he continues to live in Roark's shadow. What I find fascinating is that only the two of them know about Roark's contribution to the design. Keating could so easily be exposed as a fraud. But Roark won't do it. Is this how he controls Keating? Keating has revealed his hatred for Roark. why can't he be his own man and leave Roark alone. Does he feel the need to destroy Roark?
And Roark. What does he want? We live in a world of compromise. Would it be so hard for him to give an inch on his designs? So many people seem interested in helping him, but he refuses. What is he seeking? What did Cameron seek? Neither seem capable of sharing with society.
What I am looking forward to:
- more Dominique. How is her character going to grow? Will she destroy Keating? She reminds me a bit of Roark, but I think she is a bit more scheming.
- Ellsworth Toohey. What's up his sleeve? He may be too principled to be real.
Looking forward to discovering more.
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9 comments:
Wow, Keith, your post said a lot!
I think Roark does not expose Keating because he truly doesn't care. He knows that it makes Keating miserable, but I think that Roark actually hopes that the shame Keating feels will lead him to be more true to himself in the future. I think that pity from Roark, coupled with Keating's fear that Roark does have power over him drives Keating to hate Roark.
It is SOOOOO frustrating to watch Roark miss out on commissions based on such small changes, and its also frustrating to see him throw away the opportunities that people are giving him. But I think the smallest compromise and he would feel the same self-loathing that Keating obviously feels. I think Keating and Cameron seek only their own approval, which they couldn't have if they gave even an inch. I don't like that philosophy at all.
I can't wait for you to get more of Dominique, and Toohey becomes more intriguing with every chapter.
I am getting more of Toohey now. He is a strange bird. The criticisms I have read refer to him as the villian. I still don't see it. Perhaps he is so conniving that he wreaks havoc subtly. We'll see. Do you think Roark is even conscious of Keatings hatred of him. I'm not sure he "feels" anything. Self loathing etc..... We never get insight into his thoughts. We only get to see his actions. That is what I find frustrating because I want to know how he thinks.
As far as Dominique is concerned. She is compromising herself and hates herself for it. Roark, so far, is the only "pure" character.
I am dying to see one of Roark's buildings. As he describes them, they are amazing, spiritual, spectacular, functional. As the world sees them, they are horrifying. I don't even know to what they should be compared. He just built a "temple" that sounded tremendous......until the benefactor saw it.
Toohey is, in fact, a villian. His view of personal sacrifice and "service", is almost cruel as it applies to everyone but himself. These are definately the most bizarre characters I have ever encountered. Dominique is so unpredictable, Keating is pathetic, Roark, as of now, seems to be the "winner".
I would love to talk more about these nutty characters, but no one is listening!
helloooooooo. Is anybody out there......smile if you can hear me......is there anyone home?
I think of all the characters, I like to watch Keating's transformation the best. He seems to be the only one getting what he deserves. Roark just keeps getting trampled on, Toohey keeps getting more powerful, but Keating is finally getting fat and less successful! I think Roark would disapprove of my joy at Keating's decline.
PS - when i picture one of roark's buildings, i picture the new public safety building on 2nd street. its the ugliest building i've ever seen. whether it lives up to a brilliant roark interior, though, i may never know.
Please post a photo of the public safety building. Perhaps it will help my imagination. I really like Howard Roark. He is a rapist for heaven's sake, but I like him. How bizarre is that. Everyone else is horrifying. I rather like Gail Wynand too, although I don't know why. Most of the characters, with the exception of Keating, seem perfectly satisfied with themselves and how they live. They seem to undertand their weaknesses, their motives, and their means of getting what they want. Doesn't make them good people, but it is an interesting wat to approach your life.
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