“The mind has exactly the same power as the hands; not merely to grasp the world, but to change it” (Wilson, Colin). Modernism occurred during the mid-1900s. Writers of this time period sought to break tradition and cause controversy against established political, social, or religious concepts. Atlas Shrugged, written in 1957 by Ayn Rand uses literary devices, characters, and a variety of motifs and themes to emphasize the importance of objectivism, intelligence, and the self-reliance of the individual.
Rand’s philosophy, objectivism, is the foundation for Atlas Shrugged. Objectivism has four fundamental principles: metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and politics. Metaphysics is seen periodically throughout Atlas Shrugged and attempts to define an objective reality. One such example is the phrase, “A is A” (Rand 1122). This simple phrase, said by John Galt over ten times during his oration to America means that reality exists as an objective absolute– “facts are facts, things are what they are, independent of man’s consciousness, beliefs, feelings, desires or fears” (Rand 1298). Epistemology is a theory of reason that rejects decisions based off feelings or emotions. During a talk with Dr. Stadtler, Dagny Taggart describes the qualities of epistemology, “She sat watching him in the manner of a scientist: assuming nothing, discarding emotion, seeking only to observe and understand” (Rand 215). Using this quality, Dagny Taggart became an extremely successful businesswoman and supported a multimillion dollar company because of reason and logic. This shows that Rand created Dagny as a character to manifest the importance of logic and reason in her philosophy. Many times, ethics has come hand in hand with reason and logic because “man’s reason is man’s only proper judge of values and his only proper guide to action” (Rand 1297). James Taggart, Dagny’s brother, is used as a dramatic foil to Dagny. Repeatedly he displays flawed reason and as a result of this, his flawed ethics.
“‘If you want to know, I have nothing left but junk on the San Sebastián Line and as little as possible at that.’ Dagny stated coldly. ‘Why in the Blazes?’ said Jim. ‘So the looters won’t have much to loot when the line has been nationalized.” He [Jim] leapt to his feet and argued, ‘I won’t permit it, I absolutely won’t permit such an outrageous policy toward a friendly people who need our help. Material isn’t everything” (Rand 65).
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James Taggart is a naive character as shown by this quote and he prefers to appeal to social opinion rather than use logic to direct his ethical beliefs and actions.
A variety of literary devices are used to emphasize the ideals of Rand’s philosophy. One such example is the great oak tree, which
“ had stood on a hill over the Hudson, in a lonely spot on the Taggart estate. It had stood there for hundreds of years, and he thought it would always stand there. Its roots clutched the hill like a fist with fingers sunk into the soil… he felt safe in the oak tree’s presence; it was a thing nothing could change or threaten; it was his greatest symbol of strength. One night, lightning struck the oak tree. It lay broken in half… the trunk was only an empty shell; its heart had rotted away long ago; there was nothing inside… The living power had gone, and the shape it left had not been able to stand without it”(Rand 21)
showing that the oak tree is an excellent example of symbolism and foreshadowing. As a symbol, it could represent the once grand America, fallen and hollow after years of appearing strong but actually rotting away on the inside. It also foreshadows the end of the book and how society has rotted away and can no longer stand because the morals and values are no longer there to maintain the structure. Other important symbols are bridges, symbolizing all the achievements and accomplishments of the intellectuals. There are two significant bridges in Atlas Shrugged. The first is the great Taggart Bridge, built by Dagny’s grandfather, it shows his tireless effort, resourcefulness, and ingenuity. The second bridge is the bridge made of Rearden metal, a revolutionary material because of its effectiveness and social controversy, which was used to complete the John Galt line. “Give them something real to yelp about. Let them see a bridge of Rearden Metal” (Rand 198). Each of these bridges personifies major accomplishments of people and the later destruction of these bridges symbolizes the loss of appreciation for innovation and hard work.
The characters in Atlas Shrugged each play an important role in portraying Rand’s philosophy and message. Dagny Taggart, the main character is the vice-president if the Taggart Transcontinental Railway company. She is a bright mind with a purpose and drive in her life and is responsible for the working of the railroad. Hank Rearden, another bright mind is an entrepreneur that embodies the trait of epistemology and he created many personal companies eventually becoming able to finance his own success of Rearden metal- “it’s tougher than steel, cheaper than steel and will outlast any hunk of metal in existence” (Rand, 37). John Galt, the most influential character in Atlas Shrugged is initially assumed to be a fictional person created by the public, later he is revealed to be one of the greatest minds of the world who seeks to reform society. Other characters include: James Taggart who is Dagny’s brother and the president of Taggart Transcontinental Railway company, Wesley Mouch, a corrupt politician who exemplifies the ideals of socialism, and Dr. Robert Stadtler who is most known for his line “logic is a primitive vulgarity in philosophy”(Rand, 160). Interestingly, it appears that Rand created additional characters such as Jim Taggart, Dr. Robert Stadtler, and Wesley Mouch to exemplify the strict distinction between right and wrong, good and evil according to her philosophy. One critic even said she was disgusted by Rand’s ‘talent’ for portraying her good guys as ‘beautiful, clear-eyed and intelligent’ while giving all her bad guys ‘flabby jowls’ and ‘bloodshot eyes.’
Several different motifs are used in Atlas Shrugged to show symbolic significance throughout the book. Within the novel, people with intelligence and ingenuity have been disappearing from society. Society and civilization begin to collapse and the world is left with those who never take responsibility or problem solve. “This is the strike of the men of the mind, Mrs. Taggart. This is the mind on strike” (Rand 816). Rand uses this dependent, failing society to emphasize the importance of great minds, and establishes it as a main theme throughout the book. Another theme is the evils of socialism. In this book, America’s government is slowly becoming corrupt, gradually transitioning from capitalism to socialism to communism. First, the Fair Share Act spread “resources according to need” showing the basis of a socialist government (Rand 921). Then Directive Number 10-289 strips all people of their rights, property, and freedoms marking the final change into a Communist government and demonstrating the evils of this type of leadership. One thing that must be addressed is the continual use of rhetorical questions. “Who is John Galt?” (Rand) This phrase is repeated many times throughout the book. Initially, it is used as a rhetorical question; a question for unanswerable things. It is used in scenarios that seem hopeless. As the book continues this question is posed more and more frequently, especially when people disappear and things stop working properly. Finally, the answer to that impossible question is answered — John Galt, the perfect example of Ayn Rand’s philosophy: intelligent, smart, ethical, moral, and creative. John Galt is the most influential character in Atlas Shrugged and he is the driving force behind the change of the world.
Atlas Shrugged was written during a time period of controversy and radicalism that challenged many socially accepted ideas. One such idea, argued against by Ayn Rand, is the notion that money is evil.
“Money demands that you sell, not your weakness to men’s stupidity, but your talent to their reason…but money is only a tool, it will not replace you as the driver… money will not purchase happiness nor intelligence… it that the reason you call it evil? Until and unless you discover that money is the root of all good, you ask for your own destruction. When money ceases to be the tool by which men deal with one another, then men become the tools of men. Blood, whips, guns– or dollars. Take your choice there is no other– and your time is running out (Rand 461-465).
This speech, given by Francisco d’Anconia, a genius, millionaire playboy, and John Galt’s partner, demonstrates that money is not inherently evil, but that it is man’s use of it that makes it so. Another interesting controversy is the idea that you are not your brother’s keeper. The title of the book is derived from this notion and is seen during a conversation between Francisco d’Anconia and Henry Rearden. “Mr. Rearden, if you saw Atlas, the giant who holds the world on his shoulders, if you saw his knees buckling, arms trembling, but still trying to hold up the world with the last of his strength– what would you tell him to do?” “I… don’t know. What… could he do? What would you tell him to do?” “To shrug”(Rand, 509). This means that one does not have to care for underserved burdens simply because of obligations and expectations. This concept is seen several more times as some people cry “it’s not my fault!” (Rand 353) and “it’s your fault! You did it! You’re to blame for it!” (Rand 697). Those who expect to be taken care of by others will eventually be abandoned and left to collapse.
Manu parts of Atlas Shrugged are largely influenced by Ayn Rand own personal experiences. In 1926, at the age of 21, Ayn Rand immigrated to the United States from Russia. Before that, she witnessed both the Bolshevik Revolution and the Kerensky Revolution, this is seen in Atlas Shrugged through the “strike of the mind” and shows how she integrated the ideas of rebellion and reformation of her youth. To escape the violence, Rand’s family then moved to Crimea where she was brought into direct contact with Communism and its effects on economies. As a result of these personal experiences, socialist and corrupt governments are often used in her writing as well as struggling and failing economies. When Rand arrived in America she continued writing. Many of Ayn Rand’s early works, when later examined, are stepping stones towards what would eventually become her “finest work” (Rand), Atlas Shrugged. In the first of her compositions such as “The Husband I bought”, there are keynotes of unyielding individualism from the main character, Irene Wilmer. This is even more pronounced in other characters from other works such as Leo Kovalensky and Andrei Taganov who, according to James T. Baker, “are not yet Howard Roark and John Galt, but they are vital steps in that direction” (Baker, 2). These early writings show the gradual process of Objectivism and its evolution into Atlas Shrugged because of Ayn Rand’s life experiences.
Using literary devices, personal experiences, and characters, Ayn Rand created Atlas Shrugged. This controversial book is used to define objectivism, portray intelligence, and manifest the importance of the mind.
