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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. What happens to the temple that is now a home for "subnormal children"?

2. Why does Roark hire Mallory to make the sculpture for the temple he is building?

3. Why does Cameron fire Roark?

4. What infuriates Dominique about the replacement fireplace?

5. Why is Roark dissatisfied at the Snyte firm?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the character flaws in Peter Keating in regard to both Heyer's death and his winning the Cosmo-Slotnik competition.

3. 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?

4. After being fired from her job, Dominique begins a series of self-punishments. How does Peter Keating come into this picture?

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. Considering the number of jobs Roark did not get or turned down, explain the difference between Roark and Peter Keating.

8. 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.

9. What is meant by the description of the Stoddard temple as being "like a corpse hacked to pieces and reassembled?"

10. Contrast the difference between Roark and Peter as they attend Kiki Holcombe's party.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

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 3

In chapter 11, Roark goes to the building site of the Heller house. Write an essay about how Rand shows his feelings about the house.

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