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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is Roark fired from the Snyte firm?

2. How do the newspapers treat Henry Cameron's retirement?

3. Where does Dominique spend her wedding night?

4. What happens when Roark and Dominique meet up at the Holcombe party?

5. What spoils Peter's joy at winning the "most beautiful building" contest?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the idea of "ownership" in the relationship between Dominique and Roark.

2. Even after Dominique gives testimony that should have swayed the jury, Stoddard wins the lawsuit. Gail Wynand cables the "Banner" to fire Dominique. What is the significance of Dominique's reaction to being fired?

3. Discuss Rand's use of premonition in chapter 12 when Katie shows up at Peter's apartment.

4. Peter's lack of integrity comes to light in his efforts to get Claude Stengel's job. How does the method he uses to accomplish his purpose relate to the theme of the book?

5. In 1892, Henry Cameron was the most promising architect of his day, having introduced the idea of the skyscraper. One year later, the popular classical designs of the Columbian Exposition of Chicago ruined Cameron's career. How does Ayn Rand use this to introduce the ideas of individualism versus socialistic dogma?

6. When Roark refuses to design a building according to Francon's specifications, he is fired. When he goes to see Gordon Prescott who wrote an article about giving young architects a chance, he is rebuffed. How do these events help to develop the theme of integrity?

7. What are the similarities and differences between Howard Roark and Steven Mallory?

8. Discuss the significance of Peter's intimidation by Lois Cook.

9. At the beginning of the novel, Howard Roark stands naked on a granite cliff preparing to dive into the waves below. Describe how this scene sets the stage for the entire novel.

10. Explain how Roark's getting his hands dirty at a building site wins over the admiration of the electrician, Mike.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As the book opens, Roark is poised to dive into the ocean. He is alone on a granite cliff and looking down at the crashing waves below. What is feelings can be derived from that picture about (A) Roark, (B) the granite cliffs, (C) the water below. Describe what each of those elements means to you.

Essay Topic 2

Pretend you are a book reviewer for a newspaper. Write your review and critique of "The Fountainhead."

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following buildings designed by Roark and explain its importance to the story: (a) the Stoddard temple; (b) the gasoline station; (c) Monadnock Valley resort.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,310 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample