Sunday, September 1, 2013

Atlas Shrugged Reaction (pg. 115- 169): Libby Evans

        Atlas Shrugged has left me with more questions. Francisco’s motives for the San Sebastian mines have been exposed. Francisco seems to have wanted to show the fickleness of modern businessmen (such as James Taggart) in the wanting to give back to the people. Dagny refuses to accept this as his sole purpose as it is against his character and he seems to have an ulterior motive. Trying to decipher Francisco’s arrogant yet cryptic speech leads to more frustrating questions. Then, the story transfers into the anniversary party of Rearden. Here, a greater description of Lillian Rearden’s characters was given. Lillian was portrayed as a passive aggressive and ungrateful girl who seems incapable of love making her perfect fo rher husband. Instances, such as her disregard for the bracelet her husband gave her, highlighted her lacking in personality. Dagny, though inappropriately, refused to accept such disrespect towards Rearden and took the bracelet. This only raised more questions as to how she felt about Rearden and the legitimacy of Rearden’s marriage. More tension took place when Francisco came to the party. Questions arose as to how Dagny would react and the reason for Francisco’s nonchalance towards her presence. Then all about the party is forgotten when it came to the railroad. Rearden returned to his normal easiness around Dagny refusing to acknowledge what took place at their last meeting. All seems to be superficially well. However, with social relations being repaired, business matters take a turn for the worst. The financial instability of the Taggart Transcontinental makes using Rearden Metal increasingly difficult. 

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