AP Language and Composition, Blog 2

1.) At the granite quarry, Dominique is deeply attracted to the red-headed worker who stares at her insolently. She pursues him aggressively, but resists him in the moment of her triumph. Given that Dominique is eager to make love to Roark, why does she physically resist? Ayn Rand once stated regarding this scene that, if it is rape, “then it is rape by engraved invitation.” What does she mean? Is this actually rape, i.e., is Dominique an unwilling victim?

I think Dominique wants to make love to Roark, but is afraid. She doesn’t think she’s ready, nor does she wants to get hurt. Dominique is inviting Roark. Ayn Rand quote, in my opinion, means if a person wouldn’t lead another person on, then the situation wouldn’t have happen. She wants it to look like rape.


4.) At Kiki Holcolmbe’s party, Keating gives advice to Roark. He says: “ Always be what people want you to be.” What is the meaning of such a statement? Why does Keating believe this? What does such an approach to life reveal about the soul of Keating and of people like him?

Basically, he is to act someone else wants him to act to have basically have people on your side. Kiki has very little confidence.


9.) Roark hires Mallory to do the sculpture for the Temple, but Mallory, despite his youth, is already bitter and disillusioned. What is the cause of Mallory’s nascent cynicism? What does Roark do that helps Mallory overcome his disillusionment? Are there similarities between Mallory’s early career and the life of Henry Cameron?

Roark only like his work and didn't care for anything but that saved Mallory. Roark didn’t show sympathy by giving him work. He needed the money.


5.) At the same party, Dominique thinks of Roark’s as “ the face of a god.” What is she responding to in Roark? In seeing such beauty in Roark’s face, an evaluation not shared by the rest of society, what does Dominique reveal about her own soul?


Roark and Dominique are both alike and leading individuals. This made Dominique fall for him even more. When she calls him “the face of a god” she is saying he is his own man, and is a leader. She understands him, while others don’t.


2.) At this point of Roark’s career he is hired by Roger Enright, Anthony Cord and Kent Lansing to construct major buildings. What kind of men are Enright, Cord and Lansing? Do they share some fundamental characteristic in common with each other and with Austen Heller? What does Lansing mean when he tells Roark that “ the shortest distance between two points is not a straight line--it’s a middleman?"


Roark is hired, by three men that have individualism in common. He seems to care about Roark. He basically tells him he don’t have to suck up to anyone, and to let all honesty out when it’s needed.

AP Language and Composition, Fountainhead Blog 1

1.) Explain in detail the reasons for Howard Roark's expulsion from the Stanton Institute of Technology. The Dean states that Roark has "a determined little group of defenders" among the faculty, while other professors "felt it their duty" to vote for his expulsion. Why do the faculty members on each side evaluate Roark and his work so differently?

In my opinion, Roark expulsion was because he really like architecture, and it had meaning. He was different. Roark didn't follow rules, and in order for him to go back to Stanton, things would have to be his way. In class, he would only do things that he felt was right. Roark intimidated others with his work. I also think Roarks' know it all attitude and him being rude played a huge role in his expulsion.

3.) Peter Keating graduates as valedictorian from the Stanton Institute of Technology. Does this mean that he is an outstanding architectural student? By what methods did he get such high grades? What does this say regarding his moral character?

No, this doesn't mean Peter was an outstanding architectural student, Howard was better. Peter asked Howard for help, and he often cheated his way through school while sucking up to teachers. His moral character, in my opinion, is a cheater and weak person.

4.) Keating goes to work for Guy Francon, the most successful and prestigious architect in the country. What are the methods by which Francon has achieved commercial success? Does he have anything in common with Keating? In what ways do they both differ from Roark?

Franco achieved his work by claiming others, just as Francon. They both are cheaters who has to be the best on top, not considering what they have to do to get there. They differ from Roark because Roark has a more in depth care for architecture, and he does his work himself.

6.) Citing specifics from the story, describe the means by which Keating seeks to rise to the top of Francon's firm? Explain the meaning of Keating's methods. Why do they work at Francon's? Would Keating's methods work similarly well at Cameron's? Why?

Keating tells on Francon and gets him fired. Keaton is promoted and become chief. Keaton's work wouldn't work at Cameron's unlike at Francons. Cameron is a more hardworking employer. Cameron would have been harder on him.

7.) Though Keating often leaves Catherine Halsey waiting weeks for him to call, the author makes it clear that Catherine is special to him. How does the author show Keating's love for Catherine? In contrast to Keating's motive for pursuing his other values (in work, for e.g.), what personal significance does his relationship with Catherine have? What fate will befall Peter if he betrays his love for her?

Peter is in love with Catherine. When he found out Catherine's father was a successful architect, he avoided meeting him through Catherine.Whenever he needs a uplift, her presence or the thoughts and love of her excites him. Peter wants to marry Catherine, and he did after he got his job. After proving his love for her and marrying her, he takes it back.