Theme Of Love In The Fountainhead

Question: Dominique Francon loves Roark yet struggles to destroy him. Why?

It would seem ironic that the notion of love would negate the novel’s extolment of logic, which, unlike love, is not contingent upon emotionalism and sentimentalism- two qualities eschewed in The Fountainhead. Howard Roark, the novel’s protagonist said: Hence, love proves to be essential to the fountainhead of humanity- absolute egoism. Love is perhaps the most selfish virtue of all, but it can also be the most destructive force. The destructive nature of love is demonstrated through the unfathomable relationship between Dominique Francon and Howard Roark.

Roark is the most eccentric character in the novel, and Dominique is perhaps the most capricious. They are kindred spirits, disproving the age old saying that ‘opposites attract.’ They are both apathetic, paying little attention to social issues and events. Roark and Dominique are comfortable and content to be in total isolation. For example, Dominique enjoys her summer vacations at her family estate where only she and the domestic staff reside. Similarly, at the beginning of the novel, Roark spends much time alone, either at his office or at home. In addition, both of them abhor the world of altruists and second handers who lack creativity and deem utilitarianism to be more important than individualism. Given the myriads of common characteristics between Roark and Dominique, it is no wonder that they fall in love at first sight.

Dominique admires Roark’s integrity; hence, she struggles to destroy him as a means of testing his character to see if he would falter in the face of adversity. Gail Wynand tells Dominique: Dominique finds this supposed unattainable integrity in the person of Howard Roark....

... middle of paper ...

..., prevent him from being demeaned by a world that is incapable of handling his talent, and to destroy him before the wider society can destroy him. Hence, Dominique seeks to destroy Roark in order to keep with the novel's romanticism of logic.

According to Rand in The Virtue of Selfishness: Roark is a testament to this quote. He is self-regarding and values himself and his work, thus enabling him to love and appreciate Dominique. By the end of the novel, Roark and Dominique are finally united in marriage. They have overcome numerous obstacles which have served to further add fortitude to their relationship. This couple demonstrates that true love is worth fighting for and will stand the test of time. The novel’s euphoric conclusion with Roark and Dominique ultimately together exemplifies two things; the potency of love and the inevitable triumph of the individual.