Atlas Shrugged

Atlas Shrugged

Introduction

Atlas shrugged is a fictional novel by Ayan Rand. It is a work of science fiction mixed with the element of mystery.

The basis of this novel is on an oppressive United States, controlled by the government making it a despotic society. The novel highlights the importance of productive minds in the society and tribulations of communism affecting them.

It is important to note the character of John Galt, around which the story of the novel gyrates. His major contribution to the story was the strike which he conceived, organized, and accomplishes, is the book's significant event. The identity of this character remains a mystery until two-thirds of the way through the book, making him almost a mythical stature.

Twentieth Century Motors is a company, located in Starnesville, Wisconsin, owned by Gerald Jed Starnes, the employer of John Galt, who worked as a junior engineer in the company. John was successful in devising a motor that had the ability to generate electrostatic energy from the atmosphere. When his employer died the company was turned over to Mr. Starnes` three children. The policies are changed in the company, making the employees work according to their abilities but, payment would be according to their needs. This change in the company's policy was unwelcomed by John. He rebelled against this policy by generating a strategy to go on a strike so unique that no one realized the effect it would create on the economics of the country.

Discussion

The question arises “why John Galt goes on a strike against the Twentieth Century Motor Company?” “Was his decision a correct one or was he wrong in making such a decision?”

In Rand`s novel, John Galt`s character portrays an accomplished creator and an inventor who refuses to be bowed against his own will. He became a man of reason and statement and accomplished in leading men of such brilliance and stature towards a directed goal. John represents an ingenious person and has the brilliance and magnificence of a luminous mind who repudiates the oppressive bureaucratic culture.

Upon observation, the situation arising from the death of Mr. Starnes senior, evidence illustrated that the company's new owners had an oppressive mindset, in respect to the employee's welfares and their needs. The exhibition of their thoughts can be seen in the following lines taken from the novel. The occasion where Mr. Starnes Jr., address the company, after the death of his father, clarifies the ...