Atlas Shrugged Reaction (Pg. 1- 48) : Libby Evans

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Atlas Shrugged Reaction (pg. 1-48): Libby Evans

As I read through Atlas Shrugged, I was never able to find clear answers to the mass of questions which surfaced throughout the first three chapters of the book. These inquiries surround the three individuals Eddie Willers, Dagny Taggart, and Hank Rearden whose personal perspectives are used to tell the story. Overall, I do not particularly like any of the characters, rather I empathize with them. Each seems to have some lacking in typical human behavior which isolates them from others, causing them to share a common sense of loneliness. I believe Eddie Willers was deprived of parental recognition when he was a child, which has caused him to be eager to please others despite himself to make up for the lost attention. Such is expressed when he does not allow himself to tell his boss that he needs order more steel from a different company, but does not because he knows his boss will be displeased by that. Meanwhile, Dagny Taggart is a more authoritative figure which takes charge and looks down to no one. Dagny is criticized for her inability to feel basic human emotions. Dagny Taggart only concerns herself with her work regarding the railroad and making money. Dagny is an abrasive character which deserves empathy for her constant struggles to better the railroad only being met with criticism for her supposed insensitivity.  Next, Hank Rearden is the rich metal maker which seems incapable of neither feeling nor understanding emotions such as love. Hank is criticized for his indifference towards his family which though awful, does not excuse the constant verbal bashing that accompanies with every decision he makes. All three are connected through their efforts which in some way relate to saving the railroad.