Sunday, September 15, 2013

Atlas Shrugged Reaction (pg. 219-288): Libby Evans

     The John Galt Line has been completed and is ready to start running. Dagny and Rearden both decide to be on the train for its first trip to Colorado. On the train ride, there was quite a bit of sexual tension between the two. This is because Rearden has finally realized that he likes Dagny, and Dagny has realized she likes him. All throughout the trip, there were crowds of people cheering for the train.
           
     When they finally arrive in Colorado, Ellis Wyatt is there to greet them. Wyatt was a gentleman and recognized his error in judgment towards Dagny's competence. The three stay at Wyatt’s house and talk of future business plans and enjoy their present success. However, Wyatt surprises everyone when he smashes a glass claiming that the joyous present would not stay such for long. This is understood further along in the book when Washington attacks Rearden Metal and Taggart Transcontinental with new legislations to piggyback on their success. The idiots in Washington do not realize, without Taggart Transcontinental there will be no source of income or major railroad whatsoever. However, such is put off by the new development between Rearden and Dagny. They both get intimate, and somehow end up viewing each other as prostitutes.

     The story progresses with emotional attachment being formed but not spoke of between the two.  During their rendezvous they find an engine motor which could revolutionize transportation. This will most likely be mentioned again later in the story. The love montage stops short, when Dagny hears of her brother’s incompetence in keeping the government away from the railroad. A return to reality not only brings problems in business but in past relations. Rearden has to deal with the fact that he cheated on his wife and his guilt amplified by his new found ability to recognize her feelings.

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