Dynamic Character 'Dominique Francon In The Fountainhead'
DOMINIQUE FRANCON One of the most dynamic characters of The Fountainhead is Dominique Francon, the daughter of Guy Francon and eventual wife to Howard Roark. Rand created Dominique for the purpose to exaggerate the imbalance between men of collectivist and individualist ideals. In the beginning of the novel, Dominique is a lost soul - desiring something unknown, ambiguous with her emotions, and contempt with life - which leads her to experience men from both views. With Peter Keating and Gail Wynand, Dominique is aware that they are suitable spouses, but will leave her questioning her life forever. Once apart, Dominique falls in love with the intensity of Roark’s character, but must publically deface his image to protect her own. As
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At the beginning of the novel, Roark seeks the work of Henry Cameron, an architect who was famous for unique designs and a unique character but was eventually rejected by the crowd once people wanted “safe” designs. At this point, Henry Cameron warns Roark that all of society will try to push him down based on his individualist character and desire for genius. This portion of the novel reveals to the audience that this conflict has been occurring before Roark’s career and his acceptance of this challenge will focus on his attempt to change the minds of men. As the novel continues, we continue to see the characters interact with each other. When Roark designs the Enright House, Toohey recognizes it as a challenge to his views and begins a campaign against it, whereas Dominique secretly falls in love with it and desires to meet Roark. Because Toohey sees Roark’s designs as a challenge to his collectivist movement, he berates all of Roark’s designs or gives no publicity to them at all. The final scenes of the book are the most influential to Rand’s theme. During the trial against Roark for the destruction of Cortlandt Homes, Roark decides to represent himself. During his allotted time for questioning, he does not bring up witnesses but decides to give a speech. As a result, Roark begins to give him perspective on the differences between individualism and collectivism, stating ------------. With the comparison, Rand proves how individualism will always be able to overcome the power of
At the beginning of the novel, Roark seeks the work of Henry Cameron, an architect who was famous for unique designs and a unique character but was eventually rejected by the crowd once people wanted “safe” designs. At this point, Henry Cameron warns Roark that all of society will try to push him down based on his individualist character and desire for genius. This portion of the novel reveals to the audience that this conflict has been occurring before Roark’s career and his acceptance of this challenge will focus on his attempt to change the minds of men. As the novel continues, we continue to see the characters interact with each other. When Roark designs the Enright House, Toohey recognizes it as a challenge to his views and begins a campaign against it, whereas Dominique secretly falls in love with it and desires to meet Roark. Because Toohey sees Roark’s designs as a challenge to his collectivist movement, he berates all of Roark’s designs or gives no publicity to them at all. The final scenes of the book are the most influential to Rand’s theme. During the trial against Roark for the destruction of Cortlandt Homes, Roark decides to represent himself. During his allotted time for questioning, he does not bring up witnesses but decides to give a speech. As a result, Roark begins to give him perspective on the differences between individualism and collectivism, stating ------------. With the comparison, Rand proves how individualism will always be able to overcome the power of