Writing a solid conclusion
This is the site I was referring to in class.
Click on the words below, and you will be transported through time and space to the site I showed you.
Write your conclusion
Writing the Essay
As you begin to write your essays, you may run across some questions that you want to ask. Use this post to ask your questions, and check the comments to see if your question has already been asked and answered. I will check in here at least once a day before school starts so that I can help you as much as I can.
The first order of business should be developing a working definition of what a classic work of literature is. I would recommend three or four criteria.
I hope you enjoyed the story.
Part 4, Pot Luck
Here are the questions from the Rand Foundation for Part 4. If you answer any of them for your comment, please indicate which question you are referring to.
1) Roark's resort at Monadnock Valley provides for a disillusioned young man, who had always wanted to write music, "the courage to face a lifetime." Given that Roark had never met the boy before, and would never see him again, what point does the author make regarding the nature of creative achievement? Contrast this episode with the effect that Toohey's counseling has on the young people who come to him for advice. Which has a benevolent impact on other men -- Roark's life of personal accomplishment or Toohey's call for sacrifice to the collective?
2) Although Roark receives the commission for Monadnock Valley as part of a swindle by the owners, his work is so highly valued by the customers that the resort makes money despite its fraudulent origins. Further, Roark has been kept busy over the previous several years designing a variety of small structures. "It was as if an underground stream flowed through the country and broke out in sudden springs that shot to the surface at random, in unpredictable places." What is the nature of this "stream" that now flows in recognition of Roark? There is an old saying that "the truth will win out." What does Rand show regarding society's ultimate response to the great work of a creative genius?
3) Gail Wynand hires Roark to build a fortress to protect Dominique from human society. Despite the irony, there is almost an inevitability to this event. Why does Wynand choose Roark from among all the architects of the country? Why is it fitting? What is the essence of their bond?
4) As Roark enters the building that houses Wynand's paper, he remembers Henry Cameron's words that Wynand and the mindless conventionality that his papers represent are the fundamental cause of the world's ills. Despite this, Roark comes to love and respect Wynand beyond all others, even stating at one point, "You have been the one encounter of my life that can never be repeated." Why does Roark love Wynand despite the deathbed warning against him from Cameron? Despite his flaws, what major virtues does Wynand possess?
5) By this time Peter Keating's career is badly slipping, as Toohey pushes his new protege, Gus Webb. Why did Toohey support Keating in the first place? What is Toohey's purpose in promoting the careers of such mediocrities as Keating, Gordon Prescott, Lois Cook, Ike the Genius, and Webb? In what way does his purpose integrate with his anti-Roark campaign?
6) Why is Roark's brilliant design for Cortlandt Homes altered by Gus Webb and Gordon Prescott? What factors in society make it possible? Why is Keating, despite his best efforts, powerless to stop it?
7) In dynamiting Cortlandt Homes, Roark breaks the law. What is his moral and philosophical argument for the rectitude of his action?
8) Dominique assists Roark in the dynamiting, and tells him that she will wait for him even if he serves time in prison. She is no longer afraid of what society will do to him. What is the essence of Dominique's change of thinking? What error had she previously made that she now corrects? What enables her to finally see the truth? How does her change of mind integrate with the novel's theme?
9) When Wynand defends Roark in the New York Banner, it is the first time that, in the deepest sense, the paper belongs to him and not to the crowd. This is exactly why his crusade fails. Why does Wynand fill the paper with his own values only now? Why is it too late? Explain Wynand's failure to save Roark -- and himself -- in terms of the mixed premises that form the essence of his character.
10) Wynand closes the Banner rather than turning control of it over to Toohey. What kind of defeat does this represent for Toohey? In terms of Toohey's principal goals -- to prevent Roark's success and control the Banner -- he fails utterly. What point does the author make regarding the nature and power of evil men?
11) In his courtroom speech Roark discusses the outstanding innovators who have carried mankind forward, arguing that it was their independent thinking -- not compliance with their brothers -- that enabled them to reach their monumental achievements. In terms of history's great independent minds -- Galileo, Darwin, Pasteur, the Wright Brothers, et al. -- explain and defend Roark's thesis.
12) At the end of the novel, Roger Enright buys Cortlandt Homes and hires Roark to build it in accordance with his original design. Wynand hires Roark to erect the Wynand Building, the world's tallest skyscraper. Roark marries Dominique. He has succeeded completely, and on his own terms. What point does the author make regarding the nature of success? In contrast to the evil Toohey, what point does she make regarding the nature and power of the good?
Part 4, Chapter 20
Mrs. Roark...so they are married...finally.
Sounds like a dangerous ride up to see Roark, but Dominique does it comfortably in high heels. Significance?
What symbolism is there in this last sentence?
Part 4, Chapter 19
What a great way to get rid of Toohey! This simple gesture by Wynand may be my favorite part of the entire book. Would have loved to see Toohey's face.
Toohey is back to his old tricks again at a new paper. What does this suggest?
How can Wynand still offer the commission to Roark?
Wynand and Roark seemed so alike before, but their relationship is dead. Why? What was the difference that separated them? Why did Wynand fail and Roark prevail?
Part 4, Chapter 18
I think this is a pretty accurate description that Rand provides of the people who go just to watch a court case...legal second-handers...Again, though, Rand uses this chapter to forward her philosophy of objectivism in the person of Howard Roark. Hope you are not choking again...
Keating is an empty shell now. It's as if he doesn't exist, yet there are still far too many Keatings in this world.
An apt (yet depressing) speech about innovators. Can a man achieve on his own merit, without help from others?
Is independence the only guage of human worth? If so, what does this say about Toohey? about Wynand?
Why does Roark look at only Wynand after the verdict? Why is Wynand the first to leave the courtroom?
Part 4, Chapter 17
These people are like vermin, scurrying about and enjoying some little piece of carrion...sickening.
So Toohey is suing for his old job? Seems beneath his usual tactics.
Sad that Gail won't see or speak to Roark...it's like they broke up or something...
How can Dominique be so happy and content while Gail is so defeated? Gail was destroyed, but not in the same sense as Keating...
Dominique and Roark together again...is this wise? Quite a twist here, especially Wynand's failure to respond as expected.
Part 4, Chapter 16
Gail gives in?!?!?!!? Never thought I'd see the day...He's even acting defeated...
"A leash is only a rope with a noose on both ends." Great quote. Significance?
Who wrote the Wynand editorial apologizing for supporting Roark?
Is Wynand a second-hander, as he suggests?
How is Wynand unforgivable in the grand scheme of things?
Part 4, Chapter 15
So Toohey went ahead and wrote about Roark when Wynand wasn't looking...surprise, surprise...
The strikers have pretty big demands when it comes to Wynand -- things they know he'll never do. Surely, Toohey led that negotiating committee...
Why does Alvah stay when he's such good friends with Toohey?
Why is Wynand angry at Heller for defending him?
This is the first sign of marriage between Gail and Dominique...they are working together with purpose, meeting each other's needs...it's almost...normal.
Why does Roark tell Wynand not to give in until everything he has is gone?
Part 4, Chapter 14
I almost - ALMOST - feel sorry for Keating again.
To be honest, this seems nothing more than a chapter of ranting by Rand. She seems to be trying to capture all that she sees of evil in humans within Toohey's speechifying. Keating interjects just enough to keep Toohey going...to give the illusion that a conversation is taking place rather than a monologue.
Roark knew Toohey was after power, and so did Wynand...I believe that most of you probably knew it, too, so this is not a surprise.
Why does the idea of burning the contract flash through Toohey's mind? Is it possible to own or collect souls?
I did like the idea Toohey had about enshrining mediocrity...especially poignant in today's society. Everybody gets a medal. Let me assure you, I do not reward mediocrity.
Is Toohey's rant a way for Rand to forward her ideas about religion? Toohey also alludes to Communism and Nazis in Europe, groups that were holding sway in this particular time period. It's really quite a speech...yes, it is boring in parts...and, yes, it is redundant and didactic...but there are some very valid points here, too. That's what makes it so dangerous. Are there points you also agree with?
Part 4, Chapter 13
How can Wynand be glad Dominique was involved? She nearly died! There seems to be an emotional attachment missing here. Wynand is unaware of the feelings between Roark and Dominique (still), but he claims he will kill them both if they become lovers. These two things just don't go together...
Roark makes Dominique promise to save Gail...from what? If Roark is found not guilty, he implies that they will be together...if found guilty, he wants them to stay together...why?
Rand is not very subtle in her accusations of hypocrisy when presenting the views of the various members of society.
I thought it was a brilliant idea for Wynand to write about projects by exposing government waste...we could use a little of that reporting these days...
Roark states that he is not the one being saved here...if not him, then who/what is being saved?
Interesting that the reviews from the Banner have come back to bite Wynand...
And now we will begin to see what Toohey has been up to all this time...
Part 4, Chapter 12
Two words should have tipped you off to the impending doom of this chapter: associate designer.
Interesting that Roark feels he's the one to blame in the situation with Keating, blaming himself for ever helping Keating in the first place...and he's brutally honest and straightforward about it...and he's probably right.
Why does Roark ask Dominique to help him? Why not Wynand? This seems to be right up Wynand's alley...so why Dominique?
What is it that makes this act of destruction so powerful? (and don't say "dynamite")
Part 4, Chapter 11
I hope none of you choked as you were force-fed Rand's philosophy concerning second-handers and such.
Wynand and Roark on a three-month cruise together? Alone?
Interesting that Roark admits doing bad work...also interesting and telling that the bad work he has done ends up in the garbage can, not on a building site...
Wynand makes an odd statement here about the Stoddard statue...it should have been Roark? Why?
Is Wynand selfless, as he claims? What about Roark? Is he selfless? Is Keating selfless, as Roark suggests?
Are most people second-handers? What is the problem with being a second-hander? Remember that term...as well as selfishness vs. selflessness.
Interesting last thought by Roark: the worst kind of second-hander is the one who goes after power...
Part 4, Chapter 10
Katie! Welcome back!!!
I thought that it was hilarious when, torn between paying attention to a book title and Keating, Katie finished reading the book title first. Priceless.
Katie seems much more confident now, almost flippant with Peter. She's clearly the one in charge here, though there is something robotic about her demeanor and language.
Marrying Katie is like the painting he has taken back up...he wanted to do both things, but he didn't. Is that one of the biggest sins in the world, as he suggests?
Who is responsible for Katie's current state -- Toohey or Keating?
Part 4, Chapter 9
I'm sure the awkward turtle is getting a lot of swimming time at the Wynand household as our three major players work to co-exist...though it appears to be tense at times, it also seems to be natural...why is that?
Toohey knows who designed the plans that Keating brings him, and he laughs. Wynand knows, and he goes ballistic. Why do they have these reactions to Keating's plans?
Is Wynand being complacent or being wise as he sits back and watches the changes in the newspaper?
Why won't Roark stop Wynand from the promotion he's getting in The Banner?
The Wynand Building...is there any greater gift they could give each other?
Part 4, Chapter 8
Roark is now 37, and Keating is 39. They should both be at the top of their careers, yet only Roark seems to be there. What would Roark get out of helping Keating? In other words, how does he see this as something he's doing for his own good?
Can one be an egotist and simultaneously be a kind person? Is Roark kind? Or is Keating just so pitiful that he thinks anyone who doesn't want to destroy him is kind?
Can Keating keep his promise to Roark? How will he have to change to keep the promise?
Part 4, Chapter 7
Keating is sinking here, and Toohey is adding bricks...Why were others able to weather the Depression, but not Keating? What do you make of his painting in the rustic shack?
Keating can afford to doubt himself, but he can't afford to doubt Toohey. Why is that?
Keating is too stupid to get it when Toohey is totally slamming him. Toohey throws him a bone with the Cortlandt project, but it seems that both Toohey and Keating know that Keating doesn't have what it takes to get the commission. How low must Keating be to return to Roark for help?
Part 4, Chapter 6
Toohey asserts that "only by accepting total compulsion can we achieve total freedom." What are your thoughts on that concept? Is he right?
Take note of the descriptions Rand gives of those in this "meeting." What do these descriptions insinuate about the people, either individually or as a group?
Characters speak only bits of what they've read or heard, and it is evident that they have no clear idea of what they are saying. Toohey seems to be amused by this, seems to enjoy it. Why? Do you think this is common -- that people rely on opinions of others, adopt these opinions, yet fail to understand the implications of the opinions?
Part 4, Chapter 5
"Everything you've done in your life is wrong according to the stated ideals of mankind. And here you are." What is the significance of this statement as it pertains to the character or to the novel as a whole?
Roark gets a stick, bends it around a little, then says: "Now I can make what I want of it: a bow, a spear, a cane, a railing. That's the meaning of life." What does this mean to you? Do you think this is a true statement?
Referring to Roark, Dominique asks Gail, "What is he to you, Gail? In the nature of a shrine?" Gail responds, "In the nature of a hair shirt." What does he mean by this?
Part 4, Chapter 4
I can't even begin to fathom the amount of effort Dominique has to exert during this chapter in order to stay in control of her emotions.
When speaking of his fight with the other gang members, Gail says he is unsure why it is important or why he is proud of that moment. Roark responds by saying, "Don't look for a reason." What does he mean by that? Why doesn't he think it is necessary for Gail to look for a reason?
Why won't Wynand let Toohey write about Roark? More importantly, why is Toohey so quick to comply? He would usually banter about and try to connive...but he is strangely obedient. Why?
Part 4, Chapter 3
Mean Girls...personal integrity fail. Wynand would have eaten Cady alive.
As open as Gail is with Dominique, he is moreso with Roark. Why do you think that is?
Who owes whom an apology here? Why?
Why does Wynand insist on testing integrity? He knows Roark has it before he even tests it.
And now we have a very interesting dinner to look forward to...
Part 4, Chapter 2
When I read this chapter, I couldn't help thinking about those "separated at birth" pictures I'd seen...so I found this one of Raymond and Zach...eerily similar look...
There is clear tension for both Roark and Wynand before their meeting, but there is an interesting dynamic going on between these two...reminiscent of the relationship between Roark and Dominique, as well as the relationship between Dominique and Wynand. They are awkward with each other, yet completely comfortable at the same time. How can both things be true?
Alvah is nothing but a sycophant. Always sucking up to the one he feels has the power. He still doesn't get what Toohey is up to, but at this point no one really knows...but it's very clear that Toohey is a little too geeked up about Wynand working with Roark...watch out!
What do you think is going through Wynand's mind as he is reading all the clippings about Roark?
Part 4, Chapter 1
I googled "modernistic cabin", and this is what popped up...it reminded me of something I imagine Roark might have created...
Note the poetic language used by Rand at the beginning of this chapter as she paints the picture that the young man on the bike is witnessing. Why did Roark build this project, even after he sensed there was something going on behind the scenes? I am also curious as to why all of those workers are so devoted to Roark...they leave solid jobs in the city to come at his request. Why would they risk their jobs like that? It sounds like a great working environment, but is it worth the chance of losing their bread and butter jobs?
Toohey tries to destroy Roark, Keating has a deep hatred for Roark, and now Wynand wants Roark. Why is he still successful after all of the roadblocks these people have put before him?
This Assignment is Not A Diet
Less is not more...your comments need to be longer than a sentence or two of vague meanderings...Beef it up, punks...you're almost done!
