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
In Fahrenheit 451, the society is conceited. For example, in the novel, Captain Beatty stops by Montag’s house on the day he calls in sick. When Montag asks the purpose of firemen and burning books, Beatty replies, “You must understand that our civilization is so
Nick's assessment of the other characters is honest, he does not exaggerate their actions, although his incessant judging and prejudging is biased, that is reserved to him. Carroway relays Tom's remarks about race "It's up to us, who are the dominant race, to watch out or these other races will have control of things" but does not interrupt the conversation to add his judgement, rather he waits until Tom is finished to state "There was something pathetic in his concentration, as if his complacency, more acute than of old was not enough to him anymore." By separating his assumption from what actually happened the reader is encouraged to believe that Nick is a reliable narrator who does not distort the
Society has a powerful influence over individuals’ actions, but that power and influence is not carried over to an individuals’ mindset. In the novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, the two characters Faber and Beatty have very similar personalities. Though the way of society has drastically influenced how each responds accordingly to social standards. Faber has followed the path that society has paved for him, but he wants to be the man that can help change society’s view of books. Beatty is fulfilling his duties as fire chief, and is seen as a power head, though he may not be as happy as society depicts him to be. Both characters are well read,
In the story, Harrison Bergeron, one learns that the author, Kurt Vonnegut, does not like the way society is. He does not like how people judge one another because one is not as attractive, or smarter, or funnier. He
He must convince himself and others that he is a very important figure and he does this by denying his insecurities.
In “A Sound of Thunder,” the author helps us to know the main character through the character’s actions and dialogue. For example, the story states, that the main character was bold, ambitious and determined to travel back in time to kill a T-Rex. “Every hunter that ever lived would envy us today” (Bradbury 290). As this example illustrates, we learn through the main character’s actions and dialogue, that our decisions are a reflection of our deepest desires and who we truly are. Moreover, through the main characters actions and dialogue, we have the opportunity to vividly observe Eckels’ fear, anguish, and regret as he comes face to face with the “great evil god”(Bradbury 294). ““I miscalculated…and now I want out. Get me out of here. It was never like this before. This time I figured wrong. I’ve met my match and I admit it. This is too much for me to get hold of””(Bradbury
The imperfections that hinder Nick Carraway include being extremely censorious, egotistic, conceited, self-deluding, self-absorbed, and socially inept. Despite Nick viewing himself as unprejudiced “The Great Gatsby” contains multiple instances that prove to be contrary to Nick’s morals. “They’re a rotten crowd. You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together.” (Fitzgerald 154)
When Guy was talking to Mildred the only subject she could grasp was the subject of herself. She even noted this by saying,”The favorite subject, Myself, I understand that one” (Bradbury 11). A recent study has shown a rise in numbers of those showing Narcissistic Personality Disorder. It said that 1 in 16 americans will show symptoms of this disease (Today). This recent rise in numbers makes sense when it’s so easy to get instant gratification about your looks from your peers. Having good self-esteem is good for you health, but when it turns from good self-esteem to self-loving that’s when it starts to damage who you are. In Fahrenheit 451 people understood only one subject, themselves, and sadly it’s no surprise that people are just as
In The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald changes the reader’s view of Nick. Nick is the narrator and a main character in the story. He lives in a small cottage on the shore of West Egg next to Jay Gatsby, who is very rich, while Nick is a bond salesman. Fitzgerald changes our view of Nick when he describes him at the beginning of the book as honest and nonjudgmental but as the story progresses, he seems dishonest and judgmental. This is due to the people he knows and his interactions with them and others.
Sharon Olds author of the “Language of the Brag,” suggests through her experience in the poem that our society and culture altogether is male dominated towards achievement and focused more for men 's success and heroism. Men are typically known for their strength and courage, especially heroic acts in society. When things are expected to get done, it 's naturally expected for the guy to do it. And through her use of repetition and tone in the “Language of the Brag” the author describes certain attributes that she once lacked to later achieving in the poem. Significantly, Olds uses repetition to make a statement from “I have
In the novel The Great Gatsby, Nick Carroway says, “I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known”. As narrator, Nick is not as honest as he puts out to be, as with his depictions of other people; like with Jordan Baker. Nick believes that he is an honest person because of what his father has established in him as a young boy. “Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.” (Fitzgerald, 5) Nick’s father wanted his son to learn that he has had it easy in his life because of what he has been provided, so he should not judge others just because they are not as privileged as him.
Within the category of “Character,” the class preferred the response, “[a true man] demonstrates moral courage in that he will even let his reputation suffer (temporarily) in pursuit of a higher goal.” Out of the elven total responses, six (55%) believed this is the definition of a true man with regards to the category of “Character.” This consensus seems to support the overall belief that what most of what Robeson and Finch did contained the nobility of a true man. Therefore, true manhood must contain a sense of courage. Just as courage works in conjunction with commitment, it also works with
“Every man builds his world in his own image. He has the power to choose, but no power to escape the necessity of choice” (Rand). Rand’s defined emphasis on the consequences resulting from one’s choices in life is abruptly emphasized in The Fountainhead. Wynand and Toohey’s rise to recognition differs greatly as each man’s quest for power is obtained from contrasting motives made even more apparent when compared to the character of Howard Roark and his drive towards intangible riches. Gail Wynand, a self-made millionaire, derives his motivation for success from the pleasant satisfaction he receives when looking down upon the material empire he creates, while Ellsworth Toohey gains pleasure when controlling those closest to him with manipulation,
I was always taught that I should be a well-rounded person and to be polite to everyone I meet. And that is why I think of Phil Lester. He has strong qualities to make him a communication mentor. He is someone who chooses his words with caution, keeps eye contact, and he has the motivation to do public speaking.
No one can get success without having the trust of people on his capabilities because without that he won’t be able to gain enough confidence to take desired actions without the fear of being rejected. Lastly, he must take some steps in order to prove him a leader and also to make him realize his very own potential (Jim Murray).