The Fountainhead

The Banner is Wynand’s flagship tabloid newspaper, and it serves as a motif that initially represents the hostile collectivist society that opposes Roark, as demonstrated in the theme of The Conflict Between Innovative Genius and Society. The Banner is specifically designed to appeal to the worst vices of the masses. Cameron uses it to symbolize the widespread attitudes that led to the ultimate failure of his company and his health. During the Stoddard trial, The Banner spearheads the attack on Roark by guiding and expressing hostile public sentiments toward him.

After the character of Wynand is introduced, The Banner takes on an additional layer of symbolism by exemplifying the inconsistency between Wynand’s personal values and his career. Wynand agrees with Roark’s principles and idolizes him, even as he funnels his own creative power into a tool used by those who seek to destroy the values that he and Roark share. The disconnect between Gail Wynand the man and Mr. Wynand of the Wynand papers proves that The Banner symbolizes the taint of society on Wynand’s life and soul.

In the final part of the novel, Wynand takes control of The Banner to fight for Roark, but he eventually succumbs to public pressure and allows his paper to denounce his dearest friend.