preview

Howard Roark's Thoughts On Ellsworth Toohey

Good Essays

Conceited or Curious? Howard Roark’s Thoughts on Ellsworth Toohey One of the most prominent things on the minds of humans throughout everyday life is how they are being thought of by others. Often people’s opinions can consume the lives others, and as time goes on, society has become even more consumed with what is acceptable or what people would think as a result of actions you take as a person. In the book, The Fountainhead, when Howard Roark and Ellsworth Toohey have their conversation about each other’s feelings, Toohey’s focus on Roark’s opinion of him is evident. Toohey says to Roark, “Mr. Roark, we’re alone here. Why don’t you tell me what you think of me?” Roark simply replies, “But I don’t think of you.” The themes of The Fountainhead …show more content…

Not only does he not want to waste his time focusing on what others are doing with their lives, he doesn’t care for others to meddle in his life. Roark has no time to wonder what others may think of him, and he refuses to give people power over him by letting them paint a picture of his qualities or faults. A lot of people that you will meet in life always have to feed off of others’ opinions and thoughts of them. In all reality, you are giving people complete power over you to control your emotions and actions toward yourself. Roark was a man who was completely confident and steady in his own life and skin, and he was not afraid to show Toohey that. Toohey, a man who was the complete opposite; feeding off of others’ praise toward him, was completely at a loss when confident Roark stated that he had no opinion whatsoever of Toohey. Roark lives a life with blinders on, focusing on what’s in front of him, his goals, rather than the thoughts and goals of others.He could not care any less about what anyone else is looking for in life, and this is what allows him to be such a successful businessman. Roark said to Keating, "You’ll get everything society can give a man. You’ll keep all the money. You’ll take any fame or honor anyone might want to grant. You’ll accept such gratitude as the tenants might feel.” However, Roark told Keating that he would take his self-made accomplishment and feel the same amount of joy. Roark sees most men as a disgrace, only looking for confirmation from everyone around

Get Access