Alexa Ferrer reaction 3

“People like Jim Taggard just clutter up the world.” This statement sums up just about everyone in the book so far except three important people; Dagny Taggard, Hank Rearden, and Fransisco d’Anconia. Dagny Taggard and Hank Rearden share similar qualities; they both lack basic emotions most other people feel. They have also both been referred to as “unpopular” for sticking to their gut and not caring about other people’s opinions which is something I find admirable. Their most important shared quality, however; is how they value doing what is right, something Fransisco d’Anconia lacks among others in the book. My favorite part of reading this book is analyzing the different characters and seeing how they react to other people. The party scene at the Rearden home was as interesting as it was ridiculous because it reminded me how people never change, and today everything is still the same with the same mindless conversation, half naked women, and fake admiration towards everyone.

 Fransisco is clearly out to destroy everything and everyone in his path, but there is something captivating about him because I have not figured him out yet. Something is bound to bring Fransisco down, and I have a feeling Dagny Taggard will be the one to do it. I am also starting to believe that there is sexual tension between Dagny and Hank. Hank seemed uneasy around her at his party whereas she seemed into him, perhaps because he wants to avoid all temptation to cheat. They are my favorite two characters because they do not care about anyone, but they manage to care about what is right. I wonder what the future holds for them two, but I also believe Dagny’s heart will always belong to Fransisco. Will Fransisco ever have a change of heart and try to fix the damage he has already caused? Will Rearden Metal become as successful as it deserves to become? Will Dagny manage to clean up her brother’s mess and restore Taggard Continental? Finally, will Dagny ever find love that will last?

Jerry Bonnell Atlas Shrugged p. 154- 237

 Reading on, I have come to realize that James Taggart, far from being a confident president of a nationally renowned company, is actually opposed to everything he stands for. He despises big business, and frequently urges the people around him to consider those less fortunate. While many people would find this commendable, Ayn Rand treats altruism and generosity as synonyms for stupidity and immorality. She remedies this "problem" by presenting characters, in a sympathetic light, who illustrate that the power of individuality trumps all. It is clear that Dagny and Rearden are meant to have the support of the reader, though ironically, they do not have the support of the public in the novel. Rand inserts her own opinion of public perception as well - ignorant and unknowing, as well as prone to the manipulation of Washington. As Dagny and Rearden struggle to complete the Rio Norte Line, now under the name of the John Galt Line, they face nothing but harsh criticism from government officials, the media, and the public at large.

Nevertheless, Dagny and Rearden work tirelessly to complete the John Galt Line, despite all unforeseeable obstacles. Once completed, they take the train for the first time. They are proud of their accomplishments and privately enjoy their successes. Both Dagny and Rearden value hard work and prosperity, making them highly compatible as business partners, and inevitably as lovers. This romance presents a complication. Although it is clear that Dagny and Rearden enjoy a good night together, it is equally clear that their relationship poses a problem to Rearden's wife and family. Is Rand suggesting that infidelity is acceptable if one meets a like-minded partner? How far does Rand intend to go with the ideal of being "selfish"?  

 

Chris Winters Atlas Shrugged pg. 154-224

The storyline is getting progressively more interesting and I am surprisingly finding it hard to stop reading this book. I would say that chapter VII is definitely the most dramatic and convivial chapter that we have read so far. Mainly, because of all the choices, and implications within this chapter that lead to the creation of the John Galt Line, the immediate downfall of Taggart Transcontinental, and almost the destruction of Rearden Metal. Throughout this chapter it was evident that Taggart Transcontinental was on the verge of downfall and I realized due to Dagny's entrepreneurial spirit that she was going to have to make some detrimental decision. As I continued to read through this chapter Dagny made a controversial decision and started the John Galt line.

I don't personally think that that was the best decision she could have made. Although, as I continued to read I found out that here unorthodox method was successful but, she could have just changed the name of Taggart Transcontinental, resulting in possibly more success. I was confused as to why she wanted to start from the bottom again, other than the fact that she would be able to work with Rearden and not have anyone complain to her. But still, at Taggart Transcontinental she had more resources and her total revenue could have increased drastically. In the end it doesn’t really matter since up to this point the John Galt Line is successful. I hope that as I continue to read I will find out the identity of John Galt, and, if John Galt is Dagny’s new railroad company as she claims him to be.

Zane Van de Put's Atlast Shrugged Reaction #3

  The more I read Atlas Shrugged the more hooked I get. I find myself trying to read the novel every moment I get. Numerous things are starting to happen in the novel. For instance, Dagney finally fulfills her dream of being as great as Nat Taggart. She realizes this when she drives by crowds of people on the new John Galt line. Dagny says “it was like the age when Nat Taggart moved across the country, when people gathered to greet the first run of a train” (pg. 228)
    Another huge plot point in the story is that Dagney and Hank start to have an affair. After their successful first day with the John Galt Line, Dagney and Hank celebrate it with something more than just a friendly gesture. The problem with this affair is that Hank has a wife, Lillian. Hank clearly does not love Lillian any more but he is still married to her. I want to read on to find out if whether or not Henry and Dagney was just a one-time thing. Also what will happen to Lillian and Hank if Lillian finds out?
    The most important thing to happen in the reading was the conversation between Eddie Willers and a man not named. Eddie goes to an underground cafeteria every once in a while to talk to an unnamed colleague. Even though these conversations seem pointless to the readers, one instance seemed vey important to me. During one of these conversations, Eddie tells the man about how crucial Dwight Sanders is to the success of the John Galt Line. Eddie tells him that Dwight Sanders signed a contract with Dagney to build ten diesel engines for the railroad. Shortly after the conversation, Dagney finds out that “Dwight Sanders had retired from business suddenly without reason or explanation” (pg. 206). This seemed to be too much of a coincidence for me. I am left to wonder, who is this unnamed colleague?

Pages 48-154 -Alex Williams

            I feel that these chapters in the novel really unraveled the characters much more than the previous ones. The constant struggle between capitalism and socialism is still evident, and the world in Atlas Shrugged seems to keep drifting closer and closer to socialism.

            The opening scene with the four men at the bar is an interesting one. James and Orren are plotting to take down Henry, but with the assistance of Paul Larkin and Wesley, Henry’s friend and colleague. It shocked me that they were talking of the greater good, how the world can benefit. I think they are just thinking of ways how this socialist movement can benefit them by eliminating their competition. This scene showed me the hidden side of James, whom I previously thought cared only for helping others and not money. This was again shown when he took credit for investing a minimum into the San Sebastian line, predicting that it would be nationalized.

            More of Dagny was discussed and I began to see her more human traits rather than her desire for financial gain. Her previous relationship with Francisco was notable. I believe he is meant as a foil for her. Rand is using him to portray those that simply give in to the flow of things, while Dagny represents free will and independence.

            The party scene was also of interest to me, particularly the contrast between Dagny and Hank’s wife, Lillian. By exchanging the Rearden Metal bracelet for Dagny’s diamonds, Lillian proves to simply be materialistic, indifferent towards the sentiment her husband put into that gift. Perhaps it was done to hurt Hank, as Lillian can certainly afford all the diamonds she wants with her husband’s wealth. Either way, this was another scene that made Dagny and Hank seem like the heroes of this story.     

Hernan Prieto Reaction #2 pg. 48-154

It is interesting and easy to see the difference between Dagny and James, as I said in my last blog. Dagny gives off an enlightened desire to achieve greatness. Her perseverance and honor is yet again shown throughout the pages I read, such as when she calls out her brother calling him a “stupid bastard”. We can also see Dagny’s desire to continue to see Taggart Transcontinental bliss away from bankruptcy when she agrees to follow all of Ellis Wyatt’s demands. On the other hand though, James Taggart proves to be an ignorant, selfless figurehead. On which this assumption is officially proved right when James takes credit for Dagny’s action in the San Sebastian Rail Road, when his real intentions were to bring Dagny’s control of the company to an end.

            Another issue this quite interesting is the relationship the young Taggart children had with Francisco d’Anconia. Since they would all spend one month of summer together they got to know each other quite well. Francisco’s attitude had an aspiring goal to become a man of wealth and influence in the future. Running off to work clearly showed his goal to expand his skills, it was sad to read about his demise and stand so low as to have any relationship with becoming a playboy. His vision of being the only aristocracy left in the world is soon destroyed by his later actions.

It is also somewhat amusing to see Dagny’s relationship with Hank Rearden, it is easy to assume they have some sort of connection; the issue for the reader is that they don’t know if it is a romantic one or just because of their friendship and similarities such as the same ambitions.  But what is clear to the reader is that both characters represent a capitalistic opposition to the ever more becoming socialist government.

Luis Santos Reaction #2 (pg. 48-122)

Chapters 3, 4 and 5 of Atlas Shrugged changed my opinion of the book and the characters. At first I viewed James and Dagny Taggart as powerful siblings working with somewhat of similar beliefs. In the beginning of the book, I found myself disliking Dagny and her materialistic ways. I could relate much more to James, he seemed to me to be a hardworking man who knew what he was doing.

However, the chapters I read this week completely changed my interpretation on both siblings. I began to like Dagny much more as I got to know a different side of her.

The narrator takes us to the past, when Dagny was just a girl and the months she spent with the then young and ambitious Francisco d’Anconia. I was able to see how innocent they both were as children, and how James was always reprimanding them for being zealous and confident. I found myself being able to relate to their ambitious ways wanting to succeed in life. It also surprised me to see a different side of the three of them. Dagny showed emotions she had not previously shown, James showed somewhat of ignorance towards life, and Francisco displayed pure joy and anticipation for the years to come.

The concept of joy was one I thought none of the characters truly believed in. Most of them seemed slightly upset with their lives. The chapters I read this week told me otherwise, in fact Dagny herself stated, “Joy is one’s fuel”. I completely agree with this statement and I believe the reason why the characters of the novel are finding themselves in stressful situations is because they lack an outlet, an outlet that will free them of the stress, an outlet like the one Dagny and Francisco once had. 

Wesley Groves Atlas Shrugged pg. 48-154

This section of Atlas Shrugged flipped my perception on the book entirely.  Before I thought it was a confusing long piece, that flip-flopped between the different sides of the story.  After reading these chapters, I realize it is the tale of a disadvantaged woman working together with other powerhouse companies in order to fight controlling Unions and make personal accomplishments that better the world.

By far my favorite character right now is Dagny Taggart, what she represents is strongly similar to my views on industry.  She believes that Unions are corrupt and are not in fact helping anyone at all, she sees the newly created union as a way to shut down a powerhouse that is helping the industry.  Instead of seeing how shutting down Dan would put the oil company dangerously close to failing.  Nothing good can come from the union other than lobbyists being able to force their agenda upon the companies, nonetheless the motion gets passed and Dan has to honor his word.

While before I had viewed both Dagny and Rearden as work centered people who do not really care about anything else in the world. I now realize that’s just what they were born to do, they were born to change the world and that is what they intend to do.  If only Rearden was not married, when they both were talking about how much could be changed with Rearden Metal I realized that they would be a perfect match for each other.  But at least for no that will not be, and I will have to keep reading to see how their relationship progresses.

Alexa Ferrer 2nd Reaction

          I have changed my views on Dagny Taggard and I like her a lot more. After the meeting James Taggard had I realized that he is easily influenced and tainted by what other people want, whereas Dagny’s intentions have always been for the company to prosper. Dagny has mastered the ability to take control and make the right decisions because she does not give in to what other people tell her. She is solely focused on one thing and one thing only; the success of her company. James Taggard, on the other hand, seems like more of a people pleaser and makes the same empty arguments to Dagny, due to the persuasive political pressure he faced in the creation of the San Antonio Line. I agree with Dagny’s opinion that before they were to get involved in anything complicated they should focus on restoring the company and fixing any issues. Now they must suffer the consequences of making a bad decision and find a way to restore their company.

            The moment I decided how much I do in fact like Dagny was the scene in her apartment. That is the scene where she became a person to me because she showed emotion and actually became relatable. I have one particular artist I keep on replay when ever I am stressed or anxious and as I listen to him I think back to the time I saw him live and try to just escape in the music. I am very curious as to what has happened between Dagny and Fransisco d’Aconia. The way she sat bent over with her head in her arms after reading the article about him leads me to believe she was once in love with him, and after learning about their history together I wonder what their future holds. Now I know she is real and I think I judged her too quickly before.  

Jerry Bonnell Atlas Shrugged p. 48-154

As I continued reading Atlas Shrugged, I became more aware of the dynamics at play: individuality and the value of hard work versus the public welfare. Henry Rearden and Dagny Taggart represent those who strive to produce and contribute to their society by driving it forward. Although their initiative allows them to make fortunes for their sheer brilliance, it has also put them under the scrutiny of the government. Certain anti-business regulations have fabricated to prevent Rearden, and by association Dagny, from continuing to prosper. As this novel progresses, we are made to see that Dagny and Rearden are the enemies of the state. They are attempting to practice capitalism under an increasingly socialist government.

Also, I found Francisco d'Anconia to be a puzzling character. Described as a brilliant entrepreneur, he has devolved into a senseless playboy for no apparent reason. It was shocking to learn about his intense history with Dagny, because although as children, they both shared the simple ideal that hard work equals prosperity. They have both parted way in terms of their world views and ambitions. Why has Francisco changed? What does he seek to accomplish? Will he reconcile with Dagny?

"Who is John Galt?" is a constant refrain heard throughout the novel. Described as a piece of nonsensical slang, it seems that there must be a greater meaning to this phrase. In particular, Dagny is annoyed by its usage and constantly remarks upon it. The use of this slang may be connected to other bizarre and unexplained happenings in the story. For instance, hardworking and vital members of the economy randomly retire and disappear. The famed contractor, McNamara, was given the responsibility of ensuring the Rio Norte would be completed. Nonetheless, he quits without any kind of notice, much like Halley and Wyatt. As I continue reading, I yearn to see the mystery solved.

Meaghan Sylver pages 48-154

The novel Atlas Shrugged has provided an incident that I am not able to relate to between chapter four and seven. This is the relationship between Dagny and James Taggart. The brother and sister do not get along at all, and in fact, James Taggart even despises Dagny at times. On page 77 an emotional set of actions occurs when James is telling Dagny that the Anti-dog-eat-dog rule passed. Dagny becomes extremely upset to the point where she calls her brother a bastard. To this response, James smiles, almost happy that he has finally gone against his sister. I do not understand how there could be so much hatred between a family, even if dislike is present it is almost as if there is an unspoken rule that a person cannot hate any member of their family to an unforgiving point. 

            Also, James reprimands Dagny for going against his back and taking to much authority on the San Sebastian Line when she decreases the schedule and uses the worst of materials to make the train. However, when James Taggart is presented with a problem about how they were running the train too much in Mexico, he takes credit for what his sister did and seems a hero to the company. It is obvious why Dagny will never be able to run the company, because she keeps getting blamed for all the bad that is happening. Not once has her brother been able to support her and stick up for her so that her work is recognized as being detrimental to the Taggart Transcontinental Company. James and Dagny Taggart have a struggling relationship which seems to negatively affect their moods and actions in a way that I do not seem to understand.