Olivia Thaler Reaction #4

Rand uses this portion of the novel to progress the relationship between Rearden and Dagny. She brings them together through the conflicts they must deal with and the opposition they both face. In a society where everyone has lost faith in the value of Rearden Metal, they both continue to look away from public opinion. Rand emphasizes the fact that Dagny’s personality is not drawn to emotion, showing that she really only “loves” machines. But in the presence of Rearden, Dagny changes her character and goes into submission. She has a weakness and emotional attachment toward Rearden, and he feels the same about her, which is confirmed when they spend the night together. But, this excitement may not be a result of their actual love for each other. It may just be that they were excited to prove everyone wrong and prove themselves successful as to the value of Rearden Metal. I feel that at this point their relationship is almost in a “honeymoon faze.” I believed the fact that Rearden was so upset the morning after at what they had done foreshadows their future together.  In my opinion, their personalities and interests are too similar to work together. I do not believe their relationship will be permanent, although this conclusion may only be relevant until much farther in the novel.

             I found a few parts of the novel a bit strange. Firstly, I do not understand why Rearden wants to give aid to Jim Taggart. He may be a valuable consumer in the long-run, but I feel that Rearden has another purpose in mind. In a few key moments of the novel, Rand points out to the “evil” of the steel industry. This “evil” is clearly the deceit, jealously and manipulative nature of the industry, but isn’t that just the nature of competition? Competiveness serves to create success in business, so I don’t agree that it is “evil.” Dagny is once again reminded of the “Fifth Concerto” that has been lingering around her. I am still not clear as to what role this music plays in the novel.