Atlas Shrugged

Dagny Taggart is one of comparatively few female characters in the novel. Why do the men outnumber women in Atlas Shrugged generally and in the utopian society of Galt’s Gulch in particular? How does the presentation of gender impact Rand’s portrayal of the novel’s message?

Rand explores the theme of Radical Individualism and Idolization of the Lone Genius Archetype. How does her portrayal of this theme relate to real-world, contemporary examples of the figure of the lone genius and the traits and stories generally attributed to them?

In Atlas Shrugged, a character’s outward physical appearance often reflects or elucidates their inner personality and moral worth. What is the relationship between beauty and virtue in the novel? How does this relationship relate to objectivist philosophy?

The early 20th century was a time of significant conflict and turbulence in Russian society: the Russian Revolution and subsequent civil war resulted in unprecedented turmoil for the population. How does Rand portray the USSR through metaphor and allegory in Atlas Shrugged?

Dagny has three romantic and sexual relationships through the course of the novel. What are the similarities and differences between her relationships with Francisco, Rearden, and Galt, and what does this imply about their respective characters? How do these relationships compare and contrast with other examples of romantic and sexual relationships in the novel?

Bill Clinton said, “It turns out that advancing equal opportunity and economic empowerment is both morally right and good economics, because discrimination, poverty and ignorance restrict growth, while investments in education, infrastructure and scientific and technological research increase it, creating more good jobs and new wealth for all of us” (“Transcript: Bill Clinton’s Democratic Convention Speech.” ABC News, 5 Sept. 2012). How does this contrast with Rand’s views on poverty, economics, and government intervention as outlined in Atlas Shrugged?

How does Rand use similes and dramatic imagery to describe elements of the novel, particularly characters and settings?

The title, Atlas Shrugged, is a reference to the Titan Atlas, who was tasked with holding up the skies in classical Greek mythology. What other references to classical mythology and folklore appear in the novel, and how do they elucidate the novel’s themes?