Summary

Ellsworth Toohey is at a dinner party filled with his puppets who have zero talents of their own. They support Toohey’s works and disparage Wynand, arguing for unselfishness as the one virtue worthy of having. Toohey is exhilarated by this party and affirmation of himself. The party is hosted by one of Toohey’s followers, a rich heir who is talentless and lacks any kind of ability.

In Chapter 7, we snapshot to Keating, who is now overweight, older, and bitter. After the retirement of Francon, Keating lost his good reputation and is now known as being old-fashioned.

He goes to the woods to paint, and it helps him to feel a little better. He has one last chance at professional success in the form of Cortlandt Homes, a large housing project. He approaches Toohey for help in securing the contract and...