Abstract: Characters and the plot in the novel named The Fountainhead which was written by Ayn Rand are the symbol of ambition of the youth and individualism, and reflect the individualism of American. American individualism is greatly different from collectivism in our country. When it comes to work the ways of coping with problems and pursuing interest are different between Chinese and American. Individualism is embodied in American in terms of life. Only when we learnt the cultural diversity between countries, we can understand why American tackle problems in a way of egoism, but not the way of collectivism of Chinese culture. We can effectively avoid conflict by realizing cultural diversity, respecting each other and pondering things in the standpoint of other person.

The paper researches on American individualism in three aspects. Analyzing the personality of the two characters in The Fountainhead and individualism reflected on the two characters; analyzing how to achieve happiness through individualism, egoism and self-regard; how the individualism shows in the life in America, such as education, commerce, behavior and daily language.

Key words: Ayn Rand; The Fountainhead; individualism; cultural diversity

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

Introduction-1

I.-Key Notions-4

A.-An Analysis of the Two Characters in The Fountainhead-4

B.-Individualism-6

II.-An Analysis of Egoism-8

A.-Egoism and Its Purpose-8

B.-The Ultimate Meaning of Egoism-9

III.-The Performance of American Individualism-11

A.-The Performance of Common Life-11

B.-The Performance in Education and Commerce-12

Conclusion-14

Bibliography-15

Acknowledgements-16