She joins forces with Toohey, in an attempt to wreck Roark's career, as an act of mercy killing. Roark must die at her hand — that of the one who loves him — rather than by the hand of a society that envies his greatness.
Because of Dominique's fear that the world will destroy the noble men and works that she treasures, she refuses to pursue any values.
Because the only worthwhile goals could never be reached, Dominique refuses to pursue any goals. She withdraws from active involvement in the world, pursuing neither career nor love, until the events of the story, over a period of years, convince her that Roark's benevolent universe premise is true.
Only when she sees the good succeeding on its own terms, and the evil powerless to stop it, does she realize that she has been mistaken regarding the world. Then she is free to help Roark and take her place by his side. It is important to understand that, despite the error of her pessimistic philosophy, Dominique is independent in the use of her mind.
The obvious examples of her first-handed functioning are her evaluations regarding architecture. Dominique understands that, despite some positive qualities, her father's career is essentially phony and not worthy of admiration — and she is not reticent about stating her beliefs openly. Her independent judgment is equally apparent in regard to positive architectural appraisal — for despite society's rejection of Henry Cameron and, later, Howard Roark, she understands that these outcasts are the greatest builders in the world.
Perhaps the most telling piece of evidence supporting Dominique's first-handedness is her assessment of Ellsworth Toohey. Though society regards Toohey as a paragon of moral saintliness, Dominique recognizes him for what he is — a viciously evil power-seeker.
A thin, narrow-chested, fragile little man, Toohey is not at all what Keating expected, but the two men get along well. Toohey asks Keating to join an informal group of young architects Toohey is putting together. He tells Keating that the group will meet once in a while to share ideas, and that Keating can be chairman.
Toohey invites Keating to tea. Katie is there, but she sits silently staring into space. Toohey interrogates Keating about Roark, even though Toohey has never mentioned Roark in his column. Toohey also arranges a commission for Keating.
Lois Cook, a fashionable author who writes complicated but empty books, wants to build the ugliest house in New York. Keating accepts the project. Dominique returns to New York. She is at work at the Banner when Toohey visits her. He notices a picture of the Enright House on her desk. She tells him that an architect who could conceive such a beautiful thing should never allow it to be erected for people to ruin. She adds that the building is too good for men like Toohey.
Of its eighteen members, only two are distinguished. The members denounce the state of modern architecture but offer no suggestions for improvement. Toohey delivers a melodramatic speech that Dominique interrupts. The council members feel uncomfortable in her presence. After the meeting, Keating tries to kiss Dominique, but his advances repulse her. He demands to know whom she has met. She tells him about the workman in Connecticut. Dominique proposes to and then marries Peter Keating as a way to punish herself.
Their marriage is a farce. Dominique then sets out to get Keating a sweet commission and begins to interact with Gail Wynand. She ends up divorcing Keating and marries Wynand. Roark gets Dominique involved in his plot to blow up the Cortlandt Housing Project. Dominique then leaves Wynand for Roark. She and Roark get married. Logging out….
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