Explore Atlas Shrugged: Session 3

These discussion questions and podcast were prepared by Diana Hsieh for ExploreAtlasShrugged.com. They aim to be of help to people interested in creating their own Atlas Shrugged Reading Groups, as well as to anyone wishing to study the novel in more depth. They may be freely used for the study and discussion of Atlas Shrugged, provided that this paragraph remains intact in any reproduction.

Readings

Atlas Shrugged, Part 1, Chapters 6-7A

• Part 1: Chapter 6: The Non-Commercial
  
• Part 1: Chapter 7: The Exploiters and the Exploited (Sections 1-4)

Or:

• Pages 127-185 in the larger Hardcover or Softcover
  
• Pages 124-178 in the smaller Mass Market Paperback

Podcast

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60:50 minutes

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• Enhanced M4A File (28.7 MB)
  
• Standard MP3 File (27.9 MB)

Learn More

• Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, also available in hardcover
  
• Essays on Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged, edited by Robert Mayhew
  
• Atlas Shrugged Reading Groups of Front Range Objectivism
  
• AtlasShrugged.com, produced by by the Ayn Rand Institute

Discussion Questions

(Note: The listed page numbers are for the larger edition, softcover or hardback.)

Chapter 6: The Non-Commercial

Section 1 (127-57)

• Why does Rearden find it difficult to motivate himself to play his role in the anniversary party?  What is the nature and source of his psychological conflict?  (127-31)
  
• What is the Equalization of Opportunity Bill?  What is its analog in today's laws?  Why do people support it?  What is Rearden's attitude toward it -- and why? (130)
  
• How does Hank respond to Dagny at the anniversary party?  Why is Dagny disappointed?  Why does he respond the way that he does?  (137-8, 149-51)
  
• Why is Rearden so angry at the presence of Bertram Scudder?  Why does Lillian respond the way that she does to his anger?  Why did she invite Scudder?  (139)
  
• How does Francisco explain the failure of the San Sebastian Mines to Jim?  What kind of moral principles did Francisco adhere to in building the mine?  Why was failure the only possible result?  (143)
  
• How does Hank Rearden reveal his view of the world in his conversation with Francisco D'Anconia?  What is the difference in their basic outlooks?  What ideas does Francisco want to arm Hank with?  (145-9)
  
• Why does Dagny want the bracelet of Readen Metal from Lillian?  Why does Lillian trade it with her?  Why does Hank respond to that exchange the way that he does?  (155-7)

Section 2 (157-61)

• What is Lillian's view of sex?  Why does it torture Hank?  Is he right or wrong to accept that torture?  (158-60)
  
• Why does Hank now find it impossible to have sex with Lillian?  What has changed for him?  (160)

Whole Chapter

• What is the significance of the title of this chapter?

Chapter 7: The Exploiters and the Exploited

Section 1: 162-72

• What kind of virtues are required for Dagny's work on the Rio Norte Line?  Does she deserve admiration?  Why?  (162-72)
  
• How are the interests of all the producers in harmony, even though competitors?  Why do they help each other?  (163, 165-6, 168-9)
  
• Why do Hank and Dangy think that Colorado cannot be stopped?  Are they right or wrong?  (171)

Section 2: 172-8

• Why does Dagny refuse to debate the question "Is Rearden Metal a lethal product of greed?" (175)

Section 3: 178-82

• What is the fundamental difference in manner between Hank Rearden and Dr. Potter of the State Science Institute?  How is Dr. Potter like James Taggart?  Why does Rearden refuse to sell Rearden Metal?  (178-82)

Section 4: 182-5

• Why does Mr. Mowen now refuse to work with Rearden Metal?  What is his method of dealing with contrary public opinion? (182-3)
  
• Why is the State Science Institute's statement on Rearden Metal so unjust?  If Rearden Metal is good, why can't the statement be refuted?  (183-5)