Hernan Prieto Reaction #5

Success is defined as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose; in this weeks reading of atlas, Dagny and Rearden finally finish their line in which all their efforts have gone into. Their courage is exemplified or shown to the world when they both ride on the train on its first official voyage. It was interesting to see their real perseverance to show the public that Rearden metal was completely safe, and that their intentions were not to make a cheap quick buck. Their dedication and motivation to make a positive image for the John Gault line and Rearden metal, is admirable in all its aspects.

As the novel continues, Dagny and Rearden’s relationship continues to intrigue me. Their sexual tension throughout the novel in general is hard to ignore. This tension is then broken when they have sexual interactions at Ellis Wyatt’s home. It was their conversation afterwards that intrigued me. Although both are admirable businessmen their reasoning on the issue in no way seems to match mine. Since the beginning of the novel I believed both Dagny and Rearden were made for each other, their conclusion that there was no real attraction other than physical was viewed by me as cold, it practically defeated all opportunities of them ever getting together. They were just each other’s muses.

Since it is clear that Dagny and Rearden’s relationship most likely has no future other than business, I wish the novel changes perspective or at least changes it focus onto another stressing issue such as the new legislations being passed by the government.