Alex Williams Reaction to page 560

This was a really fast paced section of Atlas Shrugged for me. I couldn’t believe how fast the country turned totalitarian and that it was all deemed acceptable. What really shocked me was that this wasn’t happening in some imaginary land but actually a fictionalized version of America. However, I feel that Rand exaggerates too much. How can a country such as America become a totalitarian state in such a short time? The book has only spanned a few years so far so how can all this happen so fast? In today’s political environment it can take years to pass a law or to legalize something even with the majority of the nation’s approval and in this version of America, they changed the entire country in a few short years.

I was happy to see that my predictions were somewhat accurate. Ragnar did have a higher purpose and there was some secret society of all the retirees. Since Hank was introduced to Ragnar, I wonder if he will now suddenly retire and live among them or simply with knowledge of them. I’m very curious to see where the story will progress from here. I’m also curious to see if Ragnar was the destroyer Dagny was after in the previous chapters. He told Hank of the secret world but did not really convince him to join it, so maybe there is another. I still think that the third student that studied with Francisco and Ragnar will have a major role in the upcoming chapters. Perhaps he is the destroyer or even the real John Galt. I was also quite amused with the way Rand got rid of the train full of looters, due to their own negligence. 

Hernan Prieto Reaction #7

It is hard to have a complete understanding of the situation that Rearden and Dagny are put in. The law, as seen throughout the entire novel is clearly not on their side. The ever most powerful socialist government, will not cease to stop its impulse to degrade the national economy. So far in the novel, the government has frozen the nation wide economy, giving rise to looters who in turn will have the country completely ransacked.

            Another issue presented in this weeks reading of Atlas Shrugged, is the problem that the businessmen with similar characteristics as Rearden’s and Dagny’s seem to have vanished in to thin air, which leaves it as a prominent question that I wish is answered as I continue to read. This disappearance comes as a big issue to the struggling economy, since it is implicit to have great minds such as the one of Dagny and Rearden in order accomplishes a thriving economy.

            The disappearance of these bright minds only allows me to speculate Rand’s intentions or plans as the novel continues to unravel. I believe that it will not only bring a complete economic collapse, but also give focus to Dagny and Rearden, two of the very few remaining economic leaders.

            On the other hand Dagny’s and Rearden’s sex life is also interesting, their affair, allows for a different conceptualization for the reader than just the worries he or she has on the current economy.

            As I continue to read, I hope more of the newly formed questions can be answered, the novel’s social climate has me hooked on what will happen next.  

Meaghan Sylver blog 7

            I currently find Ellis Wyatt to be a confusing character. He once told Dagny that if the law was signed about making producers more equal, that he would bring all the oil companies down with him. But Ellis Wyatt has done more than that; he has created a domino effect that has hurt the entire economy. He is not only dragging all the oil companies down with him, but he is taking down the railroads and therefore the economy because of how influential his company used to be. Without oil from his company all companies seem to suffer, as none are as great as his was. No one can find the secret to how he ran such a magnificent company. Many others have tried to save it, but deem the task impossible.

            Now, later in the novel, I am finding out the effects that Ellis Wyatt unintentionally placed on Dagny and Taggart Transcontinental. Not only is it presenting a hard time due the lack of fuel for the diesel engines, but it is also giving Dagny a hard time because workers are constantly leaving. Colorado, which was made into such an important state in a way of technology and progression, has fallen into a town where desertion is occurring. Colorado is going back to being a state of nothing. How will these problems be fixed in a way that the entire economy will not collapse and Taggart Transcontinental will still manage to succeed? 

Luis Santos' Reaction #7

This weeks reading of Atlas Shrugged contained a plot twist. Even thought it isn’t that important to the story itself it changed how I viewed some of the characters. Francisco and Dagny’s relationship was intensified. He took her out to dinner. Does that mean she still has feelings for him? At the dinner he told her a story about his ancestors, and how his ancestor waiting 15 years to be with the girl he loved. When I was reading this I thought it was definitely a way of him telling her he has waited for her and now they can finally be together. But, to my surprise they do nothing after that. I don’t understand this. If he still has feelings for her, why does he do nothing about their relationship? He should tell her how he feels; I assume she feels the same way.

            Lillian’s encounter with Dagny and Hank was one of my favorite scenes. This is probably because I was excited and nervous to see what she would do when she saw them together. I knew she knew about his mistress, but Lillian did not know it was Dagny. To my surprise and disappointment she did not do much. It would have been interesting if Ayn Rand decided to spice up the story and make Lillian react intensely to Dagny and Hank. I feel like this the book is becoming a bit dull. It seems like every chapter is different with the details, but the same with the overall topic. Tggart is going down, looters are attacking, and main characters are worried. Hopefully the next reading of Atlas Shrugged will contain something new, something unexpected.  

Atlas Shrugged Reaction (pg. 316-397): Libby Evans

    The Chapter starts off with the annoying head of the Science Institute realizing how deep he had got himself into Washington business. He came to realize how insignificant his opinion had become in the institute itself. Though his opinion was correct in the matter discussed it held no weight. Dr. Stadler was excited when no one other than Dagny called him. He was delighted even though he knew they did not part under the best conditions in their last meeting. An explanation as to why the man was being summoned came from a memory of Dagny's interviewing several incompetent people about their thoughts on the impossible motor. She resorted to calling Dr. Stapler to help her. His fascination made her want to like him and I came to like him too. He was unable to help in her search for who made the motor, but was able o refer her to someone who could help her rebuild it. However, he had to ruin the moment and my opinion of him by pompously questioning why such person had not come to work for him.
     Tension in the economy and businesses build because of Wyatt's sudden retirement and  other businesses that followed him. Such tension made its way to Jim who voiced his frustrations to Cherryl. What I don't understand is his weird hatred towards his sister. Does he have a complex towards her?
     What was not worse for wear was Dagny and Rearden's relationship. Rearden has finally found a way to enjoy his wealth: by showering Dagny with gifts. Rearden and Dagny both recognize their deeper emotional connection, but Rearden seems to keep his wife around to torture himself for being too happy. Not only is he hurting himself, but Lillian and Dagny by stringing them along. Everything seems somewhat normal until Jim decides to have a phony marriage. During which Francisco attends and drops the bomb that he sabotaged his business again. It is quite complicated, but interesting.

Chris Winters Reaction #7

          During this reading, Rearden withdraws himself from both his family and the politicians that persecute him. At this point in the reading was when I noticed that rearden starts to become desperate and begins to fall for Francisco's tricks. He realizes that morality is what evil men use against good men. Francisco specifically says ("They have a weapon against you," Francisco said at Rearden's wedding anniversary. "Ask yourself what it is, sometime.") In response Rearden tries to figure out what Francisco meant and if this could help him continue his success.
         As the story continues Rearden has come to understand that his success is a great virtue but he also notices that his family and politicians are the ones hindering his ability to be as successful as possible. During Rearden's trial he can't accept the fact that within days he could lose all his money. I felt bad for him because he didn't deserve this and there are other corrupt characters that deserve to be reprimanded. Hopefully as the story continues he won't get punished and lose his money and James Taggart gets punished.

Zane Van de Put's Reaction #7

Through my reading I am faced with another huge plot point, Francisco and Dagny kissing. Francisco goes to meet Dagny while she is on her break at her cabin. When Francisco and Dagny meet, it reminded me of how they would meet when they were children. He walked up the hill to her and they said hi and called each other their child hood nicknames. I found it interesting that they kissed after their child hood like meeting. I am left to wonder what is going to happen to Dagny and Francisco? Even though she says no after they kiss, the novel states that during the kiss, Dagny “confessed her desire, confessed an acknowledgement she had always given him and always would”(pg. 565). If Dagny will always have that desire does that mean her and Francisco are going to get back together? If they get back together what is going to happen to Hank Rearden? Clearly I am let with many questions after this plot point.

            I am also left to wonder if the Taggart Transcontinental is done for good? After departure of Dagny and the comet catastrophe, it seems that it’s hopeless for the Taggart Transcontinental. I feel that if the Taggart Transcontinental falls, there is no hope for the other businesses. The looters will win and every person will lose all their money. The destruction of the comet means the destruction of the Taggart Transcontinental. The comet was the best train the company had and the only hope the company had. However, Dagny is coming back and I think she will be able to fix the company. The problem is that I think that her efforts are to little and to late. I fear that the Taggart Transcontinental is done for good. 

Wesley Groves Reaction #7

Even though we can come almost 2/3 of the way through the book, there has still been no conclusion on who John Galt is.  At this point, I am beginning to feel he is not real.  There have been many speculations, such as he is the discoverer of Atlantis or he tried to bottle the fountain of youth.  Or the more realistic theory, that he was a worker who fought the communist system.  Either way, I believe that he is more of a thought than an actual person.  That later in the novel some big ideology will be revealed with him as the symbol of it all (Much like the John Galt Line).  And whenever people think of the name John Galt they will think of these newly imposed high morals for everyone to follow.  

Between this still gaping hole that his John Galt, and all the other tragedy that is happening.  The novel is becomming increasingly more drawing.  I finally am gaining the urge to actually want to read and see what is to come of everyone.  What will happen to Rearden after he hands things over, who is John Galt, what will happen now that Directive 10-289 is being put in place, who is John Galt, will Dagny survive the crash?, WHO IS JOHN GALT!?!?!?!

Olivia Thaler Reaction #7

Finally, Rearden feels a connection with Francisco rather than self-pity. It is a shame that they did not realize how similar in opinion and mindset they are because they could have made a great team together earlier on in the novel. Francisco helps Rearden realize that society is not treating him fairly, and men like Rearden must stay strong and not give them what they want. We see in the next chapter that Rearden has finally looked at society in the face and decided not to let them take advantage of him or bestow guilt on him. He has put aside, at least for now, his intrinsic personality and decided to “tell it like it is.” He is usually very quiet and just listens to others attack him or put down his ideals, but in this chapter he shows them that he is a strong character who sticks by his beliefs and doesn’t let society, or even his family bring him down. Rearden’s change in disposition results in the respect he seeks.

Another thing I found interesting was the comparison made between Atlas and Rearden. As much I found it interesting, I also found it confusing. I understand that Rearden, like Atlas, has been carrying the burdens of the world on his shoulders by letting people take advantage of him and put him down. I am unsure how the act of “shrugging” relates to this. Does he “shrug” because decides not to let the corrupt take advantage of him and his metal? To me, shrugging has to do with giving up or showing a lack of concern; and I don’t think Rearden is one to give up. Numerous times 2 chapters ago the author used the word “shrugged” as a verb to describe actions by people like Lillian. Why did Rand connect a character in the book that in my opinion no audience member can admire, like Lillian, and make her seem significant in that way?

Philip Kaifer Reaction #7

There is still another third of the book left and Dagny has crashed her plane. I can only assume that she survives and things start to turn around in the third part of the novel. We have now heard about a fourth theory as to the identity of John Galt. Firstly we were told that he had discovered Atlantis, then that he was searching for a fountain of youth at the top of a mountain and had never returned with it because it was impossible, afterwards there was the theory that he was the embodiment of Prometheus and that he had taken back his gifts to mankind. The most recent theory that the tramp told Dagny on the train, that he was a factory worker who stood up against the communist system implemented in the factory, seems to be the least fanciful and even somewhat possible. I still don’t understand how there isn’t any historical information about John Galt. Dagny is so desperate to find John Galt.

I noticed as part two of the novel progressed, the state of the nation kept of becoming more and more decrepit, I didn’t even think it was possible at the beginning of the part. Everything seems to have turned for the worse, culminating in Dagny’s crash. On the other hand, some question have been answered and the plot has developed substantially. With the passing of Directive 10-289, everyone in the nation begins to freak out. People quit their jobs and run away. Nearly all of the good capitalists besides Dagny and Hank have vanished, and the looters are basically in charge.

Rearden only had two weeks to hand over his patent on Rearden metal after the directive is implemented. After he buckled to Dr. Ferris’ demands, I figured that he would be completely destroyed. He gave in to the government in order to protect Dagny’s name and reputation from being tarnished. Dagny also gave in when she returned to Taggart Transcontinetal after the train wreck and basically took over again. They were both working for the looters even though they were trying to fight them. They were stuck in a no win situation. If Dagny is still alive in the third part then I hope she finds John Galt and gets some answers.

Alan Armony Reaction #7

First, why is everyone in love with Dagny?! Is she that amazing? To me it seems like she has done many bad things. Is it her aggressive personality? As far as we know, Rearden loves her, Francisco loves her, Eddie realizes he loves her, and the mysterious worker also seems to have some sort of feelings for her, visible through his abruptly leaving Eddie when Eddie tells him that Rearden and Dagny are lovers. I think it would be extremely cliché, but is this mysterious worker John Galt? He knows all about Dagny and everything that is going on. He is extremely powerful since whenever Eddie tells him about Dagny attempting to take someone down, they mysteriously disappear.

There are so many things that I want to understand. Why does Francisco love Rearden so much? He was wealthier. Why is Ragner almost like a hero, trying to serve justice by giving Rearden the gold bar? Also, where is this going to all end up?

I can compare these feelings with a television show, Breaking Bad, in the sense that these unconceivable, completely unexpected things happen and it makes me want to know how it all adds up and ends but at the same time I want mysterious things to keep happening because it is so interesting.

Jerry Bonnell Reaction 7

At the eve of the collapse of the American economy, James Taggart and his Washington men gather together to discuss a plan of action to prevent further decline. Dubbed as "Directive 10-289," the plan aims to freeze the economy in its current state, preventing any more businessmen from quitting their jobs. Likewise, it will also prevent any new inventions from entering the marketplace. In essence, this plan is highly socialist in nature; it creates a looters' world, in which the productive geniuses are robbed of the fruits of their hard work and labor. Ironically enough, Taggart and his men act in the image of the "public good," where no little man is left behind. This is the product of their work - a society at the verge of economic collapse.

Brilliant minds, such as that of Dagny and Rearden, are necessary in order to run an efficient world. The Taggart tunnel tragedy comes to mind; it would not have happened had Dagny been running the railroad. The economic parasites that run this world depend on the economic brains in order to keep these railroads running. It is not enough to be politically savvy in situations that call for clarity of thought and a rational mind. Interestingly enough, Rand implies that catastrophes are not a matter of pure chance. Each individual riding the train harbors socialist views or supports socialist policies as a result of their apathy. Is Rand suggesting that the passengers deserved their death? Why does she go to such pains to describe the political convictions of each passenger if that is not the case? At this point, the story gains new urgency. Political beliefs and economic convictions are a matter of life and death. Is the socialist way of living the path towards death?

Atlas Shrugged Reaction: Libby Evans

      The story so far has acquired quite a bit of drama. Dagny continued on her quest to find the evidence of the engineers of the motor company with Rearden. Her persistence is admirable, though unfortunately not rewarded. She is finally able to learn the name of the chief engineer and an address. Dagny goes to find that the chief engineer had died years ago. However, Dagny was able to find out that it was the chief engineer's assistant that had made the motor. Based on a night when the engineer's wife saw two of his co-workers and a trip to the mountains, Dagny was able to acquire the name of a person who knew the assistant.  The anticipation of finally knowing the maker of the motor made the story quite enjoyable. Dagny goes to the location which this co-worker was.

     Once the name of the co-worker is revealed a whole slew of questions come up. Why is this famous philosopher a cook in some remote diner? Why will he not accept Dagny’s business proposal? The philosopher acts suspiciously when he refuses to give Dagny the name of the young assistant. Intrigue was also raised at the mention of the philosopher’s three prodigal students. At first, I believe the motor to be made by Francisco because of his natural talent at everything he does, but the philosopher refuses to give the name of the third student. This leads me to believe that this third student is the one that invented the motor and for some reason, abandoned it. I am interested to know why this happened and if this ties in with the secret Francisco refuses to tell Dagny.

Alan Armony Reaction #6

Francisco d’Anconia is what keeps this storyline going. I am constantly intrigued by what he says, his morals, and his mysteriousness. He makes an extremely interesting point; that a man will pursue a woman similar to the way he views himself. If he views himself as not a good person, he will pursue not good women. It seems simple but it is actually quite intelligent. What had me intrigued in this section by d’Anconia is the way he freaked out when Hank told him that he bought copper from d’Anconia. It makes me wonder why he doesn’t want his copper sold and how that ties in with all the other mysterious things occurring in this book.

While I was reading the book this week, there was one day where I picked up the book and looked at the cover. The cover shows the statue of the Greek titan, Atlas, holding up the celestial sphere. This section made me realize what the title of the book means. All these terrible things are going on to the economy and the Taggart lines and all the companies because of one simple thing: Rearden Metal. The title of the book is “Atlas Shrugged,” which means if Atlas were to simply “shrug his shoulder,” terrible things could go wrong, and the world would become out of balance. This is specifically what is occurring in the United States in the novel. I wonder if this economy freeze will be enough to get things back on track.

Alex Williams Reaction pages 352-458

            So many things happened in this part of Atlas Shrugged. More and more business leaders are disappearing and I’m really curious to see who is making this happen. Maybe it is Francisco as he constantly pops up during these chapters and seems to know more than everyone else.

            I was shocked that Hank was put on trial for selling his metal to his friend and even more shocked when Ferris reveals that he is meant to do this, as long as he gets involved with the corrupt government.  I was really happy to see that he had a win at his trial, convincing everyone of how ridiculous the whole thing was.  Again, it seems the people agree with people like Hank, but then how does the government get approval for all of their socialist policies?

            There were many things that occurred that I wish the characters knew. Rand uses an omniscient narrator but I wish some of the characters knew more. Cherryl insulted Dagny and tried to act superior to her, but if only Cherryl realized that all the things she admires about James are actually qualities and achievements of Dagny. I feel like they could become friends if they knew more. I was eager to see the progression of Hank and Francisco’s relationship. Hank went from hating Francisco to seeing him as a friend and back to hating him. I feel like there is some relationship between Francisco and Ragnar Danneskjold. On page 458, when Francisco was one the phone, it was mentioned that he had the power to prevent something but chose not to. I think he allowed Ragnar to do this or is working with him, as they were classmates from college. I just don’t understand the lesson he is trying to teach Hank yet. 

Hernan Prieto Reaction #6

            In this weeks reading of Atlas Shrugged, a variety of questions were answered. One for example was what the title of the novel meant. I was always curious about its origin or what relation it had with the actual plot of the novel. I think Rand’s connection between Hank and the Greek God Atlas is quite genius, although their relation, Hanks and Atlas’, is not exactly the same I do see Hank’s impulsive, great social, and business like action to be a factor in safe keeping the country’s economy.

            Another topic that was seen as interesting by me was Dagny’s obsession in find the creator of the motor. I find it somewhat refreshing to see a character that is depicted as strong and cold hearted as Dagny to be so desperate in finding a single man. Her obsession has driven her off topic on many more pressing issues that are facing Taggart Transcontinental and the overall state of the economy.

            What I find it interesting as well is Rand’s plans for Francisco. Francisco has developed into a very obscure and yet bewildering character as the novel has progressed. He now is labeled as a man with the intentions of nothing less than ruining what is left of the economy. While his motives are not yet clear, I believe it is an urge inside him that wants to be liberated of his ancestry, and the only way to do it is by ruining his own fortune, ultimately going against his morals of adding wealth to the d'Anconia fortune.

Jerry Bonnell Reaction 6

At the start of Part Two, the economic downfall of the country is evident. More and more heads of industry are disappearing as the government adopts increasingly more socialist policies. Nevertheless, the majority of people remain unaware of the drastic changes occurring. Instead, life goes on. The most notable event of the season is James Taggart's wedding to Cherryl Brooks.This sudden marriage raises many questions. What does James seek from marrying a low-born hero worshiper with no career prospects or connections? How can Cherryl be so innocent and blind?

The wedding is well attended by all of James' Washington men and other prominent business figures. Ironically, it is a lavish display of consumerism that seems to be opposed to James' beliefs of social responsibility. Amidst all the praise and congratulations afforded to James, Francisco D'Anconia makes a sudden appearance. He immediately launches into a lengthy moralistic speech on the virtue of money and the worthlessness of people who do not appreciate its value. He claims that "the man who damns money has obtained it dishonorably; the man who respects it has earned it" (p.412). I am curious as to what Rand intends to do with Francisco's character. In the duration of this wedding, it seems that Francisco has become a vehicle for inserting her own capitalist beliefs and ideals. The speech was over the top and clearly meant to arouse a reaction from the crowd. Francisco succeeds in doing so and ends his rant by thanking James for having all of his men invest in his company, which he plans to let fail.

So far, Ayn Rand has been less than subtle in exploring her themes. She is doing little more than staging a chess game in which she plays against herself. It is easy to get her point across when there is little weight given to the opposing argument. As a result, her characters resemble caricatures of what someone with her political leanings would describe for the sake of supporting her own argument.

Zane's Atlas Shrugged Reaction #6

    In my weekly reading of Atlas Shrugged, I found it interesting how Ayn Rand can make the reader fall in love with a character and think that character is perfect. For example, Hank Rearden is probably the most loved character in the novel. Rand portrays Rearden as an honest hard working man. However there are many flaws about Rearden that the readers ignore. For instance, the fact that Rearden is cheating on his wife Lillian. Rand makes the readers believe that Rearden's affair with Dagney is okay and she makes the readers hate Lillian. I find that interesting because Lillian has done nothing wrong to Rearden, she had never cheated on him or treated him unfairly, however Rand makes the readers dislike Lillian.

     Hank's and Dagny's fight against society is starting to seem hopeless. Even though they have won many important battles, like the John Galt Line and Hank's trial, the war seems futile. Every passing day a new business owner unexpectedly "retires". The most recent one being Ken Dannager. Dagny finds out that its not a force causing these people to retire but a group of people. Dagny finds one of these mysterious people at her meeting with Dannager. She sees an unknown man leave Dannager's office right before Dannager tells her that he is retiring. Francisco also tries to get Hank Rearden to "retire". This leads me to believe that there is a group of people leading this retirement movement. Maybe its the looters themselves or maybe its a whole new group. Hopefully soon we, the readers, will find out soon.

Atlas Shrugged Reaction #6 Olivia Thaler

I enjoyed the philosophical type breakdowns in this portion of the novel. There are many comparisons made between man and science, and how each influences each other. My favorite thought-provoking point in the novel was when Francisco d’Anconia gave his perspective on money and its tendency to be related to evil. I have always heard the saying “money is the root of all evil” and the fact that Francisco challenged that thoroughly grabbed my attention. To some extent I agree with his argument that money is ironically the root of most good. I agree that money revolves around creativity, and it is creativity that allows us to compete and bring out our instincts, which is a positive type of drive for humanity. Unfortunately, with competitiveness and creativity comes corruption, as exemplified many times by Rand when portraying the deceitfulness and fraud of the steel industry. By focusing only on money, men become lazy and want instant gratification; they lose sight of how the willingness and drive for success is more important than the actual success. Characters like Dagny and Rearden embody the type of people who are willing to risk their success because they are so motivated to make more of it. Jim, as we know, embodies the typical example of one who has allowed greed to get in the way of creativity.

 I thoroughly enjoyed observing Dagny and Rearden’s relationship flourish, especially when Rearden realized and accepted that he loves her not solely in a physical way. He has realized that she puts meaning in his life. I believe the climax of Dagny and Rearden’s relationship occurred when Rearden shockingly and openly defended Dagny during an argument between Dagny and Lillian. We see how important a figure Dagny is to Rearden now, since he is clearly willing to destroy his personal life for her.

Philip Kaifer Reaction #6

In the beginning of part two of Atlas Shrugged, many details about the characters’ lives and society as a whole begin to come together. The relationship between Dagny and Rearden grows after Ellis Wyatt disappears and as Rearden begins to reject Lillian; they are the only two serious business people left in the novel after Ted disappears and Ken Danagger’s personality changes. Though Lillian does not realize who her husband is having an affair with, she does guess that he is after James Taggart’s wedding reception with Cherryl Brooks. The affair is now out in the open on his part and he feels freer for it. As for James marrying Cherryl, he is making a social play in order to act like he is pro-communist in order to gain support as well as immunity from the government’s economic policing; in other words, he is trying to gain the support of Wesley Mouch, Rearden’s ex-lobbyist and director of economic planning in the government.

To me, the idea that all of these different people are connected so closely seems contrived by Ayn Rand, and it delivers a message that seems counterproductive to her anti-socialist, pro-individualism idealism. If all of these people are so closely related, by love and hate, then all of their actions directly have an effect on one another. They do not seem like individuals at all. The one person I notice who is confusing to me is Francisco, how can he be such an irresponsible businessman and yet a very important economic figure, why is he out to get all of the people who are in business with him, are his shareholder the moochers? I know that James Taggart and his gang of friend own large amounts of stock in Francisco’s Copper company, but why is Francisco so eager to destroy what is left of the economy?

It seems like all the competition of wills between socialist and capitalist idealism could be responsible for these negative economic effects, such as the oil shortage in the winter. Either that or the state science institution is deliberately sabotaging private businessmen and recruiting some of them to their cause, as they tried and failed to do to Rearden. Who is John Galt? When will he appear? In all honesty, I am very unsure of how this story is developing, the comparison between the Greek titan Atlas and Hank Rearden does not make sense to me. There is nobody to play the role of Zeus and the fate of the country doesn’t seem to be in Rearden’s control. I have so many questions about how the story progressing and I look forward to finding the answers in the remaining chapters of the novel.

Luis Santos Reaction #6

Due to the hectic week I was not able to read much of Atlas Shrugged. But the couple of chapters I read raised and answered some of my many questions. After the wedding reception I was surprised to know that Rearden bluntly told his wife he is having an affair. And then after that, he told her she can do nothing about it and he will not stop seeing his mistress. How are they able to stay married after all of this? I do not understand why they cannot divorce each other. It will make things much easier if Hank just married Dagny. Dagny was not as important in these past chapters and I have a feeling her importance will just keep on diminishing as the novel goes on. My theory was proven somewhat true when the title of the novel was finally explained. I had always wondered what “Atlas Shrugged” meant and Francisco explains it to me as he talks with Hank. Atlas was a Greek mythological character that much resembles Hank. After fighting with Zeus, Atlas is forced to carry the world on his back. Like Atlas, Hank is suffering. So, Francisco suggests, he should shrug the world off his back- hence, Atlas Shrugged. It was interesting for me to see the meaning behind the title. It leads me think, however, that the true protagonist of the book is actually Hank, and not any of the Taggarts, or Francisco.