Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Fountainhead

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?-I believe that Howard Roark was expelled from Stanton simply because his work was different. It had meaning and one could tell that he actually enjoyed architecture. When the Dean asked Roark to come back, he stated that he wanted things done his way. He didn’t want to follow a set agenda or rules per say.
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?-Not by any means does Peter Keating graduating from SIT as the Valedictorian signify that he is an outstanding architect. He copied his way through school. The only reason he got and kept good grades is because he kissed the professor’s asses and gave them EXACTLY what they wanted. None of his ideas were original. This shows that he isn’t an independent thinker or worker. His characters shows that he is a dishonest 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?-He has achieved such success by getting others to do the work and himself take the credit. He and Keating both use others to boost their ego. They differ from Roark in many ways. Roark is an original artist. He creates his own work. Francon and Keating do exactly the opposite. They get others to do their work and take credit.
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 is looking after himself and himself only. He ratted Stengel out and caused him to get fired. After he was fired, Keating was promoted. It was easy for Keating to takeover at Francon’s office. However, this wouldn’t have happened at Cameron’s office. Cameron is strict.
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?

Friday, January 9, 2009

Blog 5

1.) What does the Uncharted Forest symbolize in Anthem?In my opinion, the Uncharted Forest symbolizes how the earth used to be. I guess you could say it symbolizes freedom too. In the forest, you don’t have to worry about being told what to do; while in the city, you are told everything that you are to do and how you are suppose to do it.2.) Describe the house from Chapter X and its contents in your own words, and explain why Liberty and Equality find it so strange and unique.The house was a home of someone during the Unmentionable times. The house is something that we live in now. It has electricity (although Equality needs to find out how to fix it), mirrors that they can see themselves in for the first time, bedrooms, colorful clothes, a kitchen, windows, and a fireplace. They find it so strange and unique because they aren’t used to it. They have never seen themselves in a mirror, so they don’t know what to think.3.) Explain the following quotes from Chapter XI in your own words, and discuss how they can be applied to your life:a) “Whatever road I take, the guiding star is within me.”b) “For the word 'We' must never be spoken, save by one’s choice and as a second thought.”A: This quote means, to me, that he will only follow the guiding star for now, and will never follow another man.B: The quote is an extremely powerful one. When he said, “A second thought”, he meant that we will always remember his past, and what he was always told to do. But it is still one’s choice if he wants to use it or not, because in this new world, everyone is free.

Blog 4

Question 1.I would prefer not to live in that society. Each INDIVIDUAL is expected to be the same as the next. I don't think that is correct in any sense. No one should be expected to be like the next person or hold the same beliefs, morals, or traditions of another. The country is not ran by a President like the United States. They are ran by a council. This council is more so a dictatorship. Marriage is frowned upon. Technology wasn't very relevant and neither was education.Question 2.The setting of this book is in the past. At least, that's my opinion. That is the vibe I get from it. For one, there is hardly any technology and education. These are two huge factors in society today.Question 3.)Electricity was discovered in Chapter 3. I would've used electricity for cooking, air, telephones, lighting(in the night), and television if it existed.Question 5.) I believe the greatest fear of the council was to become apart of the new age. They wanted to live in the past and were afraid of progression.