Friday, February 19, 2010 |
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Explore Atlas Shrugged, Session 12 |
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By Diana Hsieh @ 10:00 AM   
These discussion questions and podcast were prepared by Diana Hsieh for ExploreAtlasShrugged.com for people interested in creating their own Atlas Shrugged Reading Groups, as well as for 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 3, Chapter 1
- Part 3, Chapter 1: Atlantis
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Discussion Questions
(Note: The listed page numbers are for the larger edition, softcover or hardback.)
Part 3, Chapter 1: Atlantis
Section 1 (701-733)
- What does Dagny see in John Galt on first meeting him? Is it possible for a person to see that much in another on first meeting? (701-2)
- What critical information about Galt does Dagny learn about him on their way to his house and then at the house? What does she think of him? (701-16)
- What is the attitude of the inhabitants of the valley toward their past work in the world and their present work in the valley? In what way are all the strikers simply "living" in the valley? (713-27)
- Why does Mulligan's car rent for a rate? Why doesn't Mulligan allow Galt to use it as a courtesy? (714)
- Why is Dagny penniless in the valley? Why won't the strikers sell her any gold? (717-8, 727-8)
- Why is Dagny suprised that Andrew Stockton ruined a competitor? What does that tell us about the values of the valley? Why do the strikers regard competition as a positive good? (724-5)
- What is Dagny's response to seeing the powerhouse? Why does it matter so much to her? (730-3)
- What is Galt's oath? What is its meaning and significance to him and the other strikers? (731)
Section 2 (733-751)
- What does Dagny want from the other industrialists in the valley? Should she care about their approval? (734-6)
- Why does Dagny think that the strikers have given up? Why don't they think that? (737-8)
- What is the essential meaning of and motive for the strike? (738-41) Why did each of the men at the dinner party go on strike? Were they right to do so? How are their stories similar? How are they different? (741-46)
- Why can't Dagny embrace the valley, even though she has found everything that she ever wanted in it? Is Dagny's choice either-or, as John Galt says? (748-9) Is Galt right to say that Dagny must destroy him if she chooses the world? (750-1)
Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?
Labels: Sessions
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Monday, February 15, 2010 |
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Explore Atlas Shrugged, Session 11 |
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By Diana Hsieh @ 10:00 AM
These discussion questions and podcast were prepared by Diana Hsieh for ExploreAtlasShrugged.com for people interested in creating their own Atlas Shrugged Reading Groups, as well as for 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 2, Chapter 8 - Part 2, Chapter 9
- Part 2: Chapter 9: The Face without Pain or Fear or Guilt
- Part 2: Chapter 10: Sign of the Dollar
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Discussion Questions
(Note: The listed page numbers are for the larger edition, softcover or hardback.)
Part 2: Chapter 9: The Face without Pain or Fear or Guilt
Section 1 (633-648)
- What is Dagny's state of mind when she returns to work after the tunnel disaster? How and why has her attitude toward her work changed? (633-4)
- What is the basic disagreement between Dagny and Francisco? How does that relate to the "man of ability"? How and why are Francisco and Dagny enemies now? (635-7)
- What does the revelation of Hank and Dagny's affair mean to Francisco? Why does it mean so much to Francisco? Why is there such a dangerous potential for violence between the two men? (638-9)
- Why is Dagny driven by a sense of justice to reveal to Hank that her first lover was Francisco? Why is that a worse blow to him than his slap of Francisco? (641-2) Why is their sex after so violent? What momentous choice does Hank face? (642-3)
- Why has Quentin Daniels quit? What does Dagny want him to do instead -- and why? (644-5)
Section 2 (648-653)
- What is Eddie's response to his discovery that Hank and Dagny are lovers? Why does he respond as he does? Why does he lie to Dagny? (650, 652-3)
- What critical information does Eddie reveal to the railroad worker? How does the worker respond to the news about the motor -- and why? How does he respond to the news about Dagny's relationship with Hank -- and why? (652-3)
Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?
Part 2: Chapter 10: The Sign of the Dollar
Section 1 (654-672)
- What is Dagny's attitude toward the world and toward her work now? How and why has it changed since the scene when we met her? (654-6, 12-17)
- How does Dagny respond to the tramp, Jeff Allen? Why? What does his initial conversation with her reveal about the state of the world? (656-60)
- What is the basic story of the 20th Century Motor Company? What is the moral principle on which it operated? What does the story reveal about the real-life effects thereof on the company's products, profits, employees, and community? Does it matter that it was voluntarily enacted -- and how so or not? (660-72)
- Why did the workers of the 20th Century Motor Company support the scheme of the Starnes heirs? Are those the main reasons why people support altruist-collectivist schemes? What were the motives of the Starnes heirs themselves? (666-8)
Section 2 (672-697)
- What is the response of the passengers to the frozen train? How and why are Jeff Allen and Owen Kellogg different? What is Dagny's response to the frozen train and its passengers? (673-679)
- How does Dagny interact with the night dispatcher in Bradshaw to get the Comet moving again? Why is that necessary? How does that differ from her dealings with the crew during the signal light outage? (685-8, 12-18)
- What is the significance of the fact that Dagny has so little to do in the world if anything happens to her plane? What does she think of the world now? What matters to her? (690-7)
Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?
Whole Part
- What is the significance of the title of this part?
Labels: Sessions
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Tuesday, February 2, 2010 |
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Explore Atlas Shrugged, Session 10 |
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By Diana Hsieh @ 10:00 AM
These discussion questions and podcast were prepared by Diana Hsieh for ExploreAtlasShrugged.com for people interested in creating their own Atlas Shrugged Reading Groups, as well as for 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 2, Chapter 7 - Part 2, Chapter 8
- Part 2: Chapter 7: Moratorium on Brains
- Part 2: Chapter 8: By Our Love
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Discussion Questions
(Note: The listed page numbers are for the larger edition, softcover or hardback.)
Part 2: Chapter 7: Moratorium on Brains
Section 1 (567-571)
- Who is Clifton Locey? What kind of person is he? (568-9)
- What is happening at Taggart Transcontinental while Dagny is at the cabin? What is Eddie Willers' state of mind? (567-71)
Section 2 (571-584)
- What is Hank Rearden's state of mind after signing the Gift Certificate? What is his attitude toward Lillian and toward his work? (571-2)
- What is Rearden's view of Ragnar Danneskjold? Why does he feel conflicted about him? How does he express that in action? (573-84)
- By what principles does Ragnar operate as a pirate? What is his purpose? Is he immoral? Is he foolish? What are the major effects of his piracy? (575-81)
Section 3 (584-607)
- Step by step, how and why does the tunnel disaster happen? How does each person's thinking and actions contribute to it? Who could have stopped it? Why didn't they stop it? (584-607)
- What responsibility to the train passengers bear for the tunnel disaster? How do their ideas lead to the crash? Do they deserve to die? (605-7)
Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?
Part 2: Chapter 8: By Our Love
Section 1 (608-622)
- What is Dagny's state of mind at the cabin? What orders does she give herself? How and why does she struggle with them? (608-12)
- In her conversation with Francisco, what does Dagny think are her basic alternatives? What has she yet to learn? What are the basic points that Francisco attempts to explain to Dagny? (618-20)
- How does Dagny react to the news of the tunnel disaster? Why does that event drive her to return to the world? (620-2)
Section 2 (622-632)
- What is Jim Taggart's response to the tunnel disaster? What does that say about his character and state of mind? (622-7)
- How and why does Eddie Willers stand up to Jim in refusing to tell him where Dagny is? Why is he so distraught when Dagny returns? (624-6)
- What does Dagny say to Hank about her return? What does she mean? (631-2)
Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?
Labels: Sessions
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Monday, January 25, 2010 |
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Explore Atlas Shrugged, Session 9 |
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By Diana Hsieh @ 10:00 AM
These discussion questions and podcast were prepared by Diana Hsieh for ExploreAtlasShrugged.com for people interested in creating their own Atlas Shrugged Reading Groups, as well as for 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 2, Chapter 5 - Part 2, Chapter 6
- Part 2: Chapter 5: Account Overdrawn
- Part 2: Chapter 6: Miracle Metal
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Discussion Questions
(Note: The listed page numbers are for the larger edition, softcover or hardback.)
Part 2: Chapter 5: Account Overdrawn
Section 1 (496-517)
- What is the state of the world by February 15th? What are the causes of the ever-faster decline? How and why are people at the mercy of nature? How and why do the leaders in industry and politics respond as they do? (496-501)
- Who is Mr. Weatherby? What is his purpose at the Taggart Transcontinental board meeting? How and why do the board members treat him as they do? (502-11)
- Why does Dagny refuse to express any opinions about what Taggart Transcontinental should do? Why does the board want her to kill the John Galt Line? Why are they unwilling to do it themselves? (506-11)
- What lesson does Francisco want Dagny to draw from the story of Nat Taggart's battle to build the railroad? Does she draw that lesson? What does he learn about her state of mind? (513-5)
Section 2 (517-521)
- Why do Dagny Taggart and Hank Rearden want to be present at the last run of the John Galt Line? What does the closed Marsh factory mean to Dagny? (518-9)
Section 3 (521-525)
- How do James Taggart and Lillian Rearden interact in this lunch meeting? What does the meeting accomplish for them? (521-4)
- What is Lillian's plan for Hank Rearden? How does she intend to trap him with her gift of flowers? What was her expected versus unexpected opportunity? (524-5)
Section 4 (525-531)
- Why is Lillian so shocked and dismayed to discover that Dagny Taggart is Hank Rearden's mistress? What does she grasp about its significance? Why does she insist that he give her up? Why does he refuse? (526-9)
- What does Hank realize about his own prior views on hearing Lillian's comments about Dagny? Why is that significant? (530)
Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?
Part 2: Chapter 6: Miracle Metal
Section 1 (532-549)
- What is the purpose of the meeting between these men -- Mouch, Lawson, Taggart, Thompson, Boyle, Ferris, and Kinnon? What do they reveal about themselves? How are they similar to and different from one another? (532-49)
- What is the content of Directive 10-289? What is the purpose and likely effects of each point? Why is it so evil? (538-9)
- Why are the looters concerned about what Rearden might do? What could he do to them and by what means? (547-8)
Section 2 (549-554)
- Why does Dagny resign immediately in response to Directive 10-289? Why can't Eddie Willers follow, even thought he wants to do so? (552-3)
Section 3 (554-566)
- What is the response to Directive 10-289 at Rearden's mills? In particular, why does Tom Colby quit? Why does the Wet Nurse want to help Rearden to break the law? (554-6)
- What does Rearden learn about himself and the looters in his conversation with Dr. Ferris about the Gift Certificate? (559-66)
- Why does Rearden choose to sign the Gift Certificate? Is he right to do so? Why or why not? (565-6)
Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?
Labels: Sessions
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Wednesday, January 13, 2010 |
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Explore Atlas Shrugged, Session 8 |
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By Diana Hsieh @ 10:00 AM
These discussion questions and podcast were prepared by Diana Hsieh for ExploreAtlasShrugged.com for people interested in creating their own Atlas Shrugged Reading Groups, as well as for 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 2, Chapter 3 (Part B) - Part 2, Chapter 4
- Part 2: Chapter 3: White Blackmail (Part B)
- Part 2: Chapter 4: The Sanction of Victim
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Discussion Questions
(Note: The listed page numbers are for the larger edition, softcover or hardback.)
Part 2: Chapter 3: White Blackmail
Section 4 (438-440)
- What kind of stress makes a person "vulnerable" to the destroyer? (439)
Section 5 (440-447)
- How is Ken Danagger changed when Dagny meets him? Does she have any chance of reversing his decision? Why not? (443-7)
Section 6 (447-460)
- How does Hank Rearden respond to Ken Danagger's quitting? Why can't he blame or follow Danagger? (448-9)
- What is the basic point of Francisco's interrogation of and then speech to Rearden? What does Rearden learn from that? (451-6)
- Why does Francisco respond the way that he does to the break-out at the mills? How is that response contrary to his aims? Why can't Francisco continue his conversation with Hank after that? (456-60)
- Why does Hank Rearden risk his life to save Francisco during the break-out? Is that altruistic? Why or why not? (458)
Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?
Part 2: Chapter 4: The Sanction of the Victim
Section 1 (461-475)
- How has Hank Rearden's attitude toward and treatment of his family changed? How -- and why -- has it remained the same? (461-71)
- Why does Lillian barrage Hank with guilt? What does she want him to think, feel, and do? What flaw does Hank see in that plan? (464-6)
- What does Philip say to offend Hank? How -- and why -- does Hank respond? How is that moral progress for Hank? How does Philip (and the rest of his family) respond to Hank? (467-70)
- Why does Eddie wish to disavow Hank Rearden's trial as not being in his name? How does Hank respond? Why? (473)
- How -- and why -- does Hank have a more meaningful Thanksgiving with Dagny than with his family? (474-5)
Section 2: (475-484)
- What is Rearden's basic strategy in the trial? What moral principles does he appeal to? To what extent is he successful? What does he learn? (476-82)
Section 3 (484-495)
- How do people respond to the trial of Hank Rearden? How do they reveal their own moral principles in those responses? (484-5)
- Why is Hank concerned by Francisco's apparent pursuit of mindless pleasures, particularly sex? What does Hank learn from the discussion? How is sex related to economics? (489-93)
- Why does Francisco refuse to prevent the sinking of the copper shipment? Why is he tempted to do so? Why does Hank feel so betrayed? Should he be? (494-5)
Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?
Labels: Sessions
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Monday, December 7, 2009 |
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Explore Atlas Shrugged, Session 7 |
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By Diana Hsieh @ 10:00 AM
These discussion questions and podcast were prepared by Diana Hsieh for ExploreAtlasShrugged.com for people interested in creating their own Atlas Shrugged Reading Groups, as well as for 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 2, Chapter 2 - Part 2, Chapter 3 (Part A)
- Part 2: Chapter 2: The Aristocracy of Pull
- Part 2: Chapter 3: White Blackmail (Part A)
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Discussion Questions
(Note: The listed page numbers are for the larger edition, softcover or hardback.)
Part 2: Chapter 2: The Aristocracy of Pull
Section 1 (379-382)
- What kind of person is Quentin Daniels? How is he different from the scientists Dagny interviewed earlier? (380-1, 353)
Section 2 (383-387)
- What kind of deal did Hank Rearden and Ken Dannager make? What are the risks? Why are they willing to take those risks? (383)
- Why is Lillian determined to attend James Taggart's wedding with Hank? Why does Hank want to do anything but that? Why does Hank agree to attend? (385-7)
Section 3 (387-392)
- How does Jim Taggart court Cherryl? Why and how is she pained by it? (387-92)
Section 4 (392-422)
- How and why the wedding party a major political event? How do Orren Boyle and James Taggart think of and deal with other people, including each other? (392-5)
- How and why does Lillian bring Hank as a present for Jim Taggart? What does she reveal about her aims with respect to her husband? What is the non-material recompense that Lillian wants from Jim? (398-400)
- How and why is Lillian repeatedly frustrated in her conversation with Dagny? Why does Lillian want the bracelet of Rearden Metal back from Dagny? Why does Dagny respond as she does? What is the significance of Hank's response? (400-3)
- Why doesn't Dagny reproach Hank for appearing at the wedding with Lillian? Why is Hank tortured? How does that reflect their different views of their relationship? (396-8, 403-4)
- What does Francisco mean in saying that an aristocracy of pull replaces an aristocracy of money when a culture is freed from (in Taggart's words) "the stranglehold of the profit-chasers"? (404) Is that true? How have we seen that so far in the novel?
- What is Francisco's response to the Biblical claims that "money is the root of all evil" and that "love of money is the root of all evil"? What are the critical points that Francisco makes? How does he connect money with production and man's mind? How is money only a tool? Why is the only alternative to money brute force? (410-5)
- Why is Hank so happy to see Francisco? What is the significance of the friendship to each man? (415)
- Why does Francisco reveal the impending crash of D'Anconia Copper at the party? Why does he want Hank Rearden to see the panic of the looters? How does that crash connect to Francisco's speech on money? (421-2)
Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?
Part 2: Chapter 3: White Blackmail
Section 1 (423-428)
Why does Dagny take the attitude she does toward the fact that Hank is married? Why is seeing him suffer the worst part for her, not seeing him with Lillian? (425-6)
- Why does Dagny say that if one person's pleasure must be bought at another person's pain that no trade should be done? How would that apply to Hank's relationship with Lillian? (425-6) Should that apply to all relationships?
Section 2 (428-432)
- Why did Lillian suspect Hank of having an affair? What kind of person does she suppose his mistress to be? Why? (428-30)
- What is Lillian's response to Hank's affair? Why is she determined to remain Mrs. Rearden? Why does Hank agree to that? (428-32)
Section 3 (432-438)
- What is Dr. Ferris' manner of dealing with Hank Rearden? What kind of agreement is Ferris hoping to reach with Rearden? What does Rearden choose to do instead? (432-7)
- What does Rearden learn about the looters in his conversation with Dr. Ferris? (432-7) Why does Ferris want people to break their laws? (435-7)
Labels: Sessions
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Monday, November 16, 2009 |
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Explore Atlas Shrugged, Session 6 |
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By Diana Hsieh @ 10:00 AM
These discussion questions and podcast were prepared by Diana Hsieh for ExploreAtlasShrugged.com for people interested in creating their own Atlas Shrugged Reading Groups, as well as for 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, Chapter 10 (Part B) - Part 2, Chapter 1
- Part 1: Chapter 10: Wyatt's Torch (Sections 5-9)
- Part 2: Chapter 1: The Man Who Belonged on Earth
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Discussion Questions
(Note: The listed page numbers are for the larger edition, softcover or hardback.)
Part 1: Chapter 10: Wyatt's Torch
Section Five: 309-13
- What do we discover about Eugene Lawson in the course of his conversation with Dagny Taggart? What did he seek and gain from the needy people to whom he granted loans, if not wealth? (309-13)
Section Six: 313-21
- How are Lee Hunsacker and Midas Mulligan different? How and why do they clash? Are the two men morally different? If so, how? (313-21)
Section Seven: 321-24
- What was the basic scheme for the Twentieth Century Motor Company implemented by the Starnes heirs? Why does Dagny think that it is pure evil? (323)
- What was Ivy Starnes' philosophy when she inherited the Twentieth Century Motor Company? What is it now? Why did she change as she did? (323)
Section Eight: 324-27
- How is Mrs. Hastings different from everyone else that Dagny has interviewed? Why is that important? (324-7)
Section Nine: 327-36
- What is so puzzling about Dr. Akston's meeting with Dagny? What conclusions can she draw from it, if any?
- What is the Fair Share Law? What is its basic premise? Why was it passed? (333) How will it kill Colorado?
- Why does Ellis Wyatt rebel against the Fair Share Law as he does? How has he fulfilled his earlier promise to Dagny? How does Wyatt's action affect Dagny? (333-6)
Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?
Whole Part
- What is the significance of the title of this part?
Part 2: Chapter 1: The Man Who Belonged on Earth
Section 1: 339-49
- How has the state of the world changed since the end of Part 1? How has it declined?
- Why does Dr. Stadler want to meet with Dr. Ferris? Why won't Stadler do anything about the book? How is this choice similar to and different from the choice Stadler made about Rearden Metal? (342-8)
Section 2: 349-60
- What was the effect of the elimination of Wyatt Oil from the market? (349-50) Are large producers a boon to small ones?
- What is the effect of the Fair Share Law on Taggart Transcontinental? Why is Taggart Transcontinental making more money than ever? What is Jim's response? (352)
- Why does Dagny feel greater revulsion at Dr. Stadler than Jim or Orren Boyle? (353) Is he worse than the others? Why or why not -- and how?
- What does Dr. Stadler want from Dagny? What does she give him? Is she right to do so? (354-60)
- Why does Dr. Stadler want to see the motor? How and why does he almost redeem himself? (358-9)
Section 3: 360-7
- Why does Rearden refuse to sell any Rearden Metal to the State Science Institute? What does he suggest they do instead? Why? (360, 365-6)
- How has the Fair Share law affected Rearden's business? Why? (361-2)
- What danger does Rearden feel on hearing the news of Wyatt's departure from the world? What is his response? Is that right or not? (363)
- What moral insight does Rearden's conversation with the representative of the State Science Institute reveal? What does he now understand? (366-7)
Section 4: 367-78
- How has Hank's view of his relationship with Dagny changed? How is that reflected in his actions toward her? (367-78) Why does Dagny think that she can help Hank win his deliverance from guilt, but that she cannot do so by words? (367)
- What does Hank discover about the looter's desire for sanction? How is it important? Why should they withhold that sanction? (377-8)
Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?
Labels: Sessions
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Monday, November 9, 2009 |
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Explore Atlas Shrugged, Session 5 |
|
By Diana Hsieh @ 10:00 AM
These discussion questions and podcast were prepared by Diana Hsieh for ExploreAtlasShrugged.com for people interested in creating their own Atlas Shrugged Reading Groups, as well as for 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 9 - 10 (Part A)
- Part 1: Chapter 9: The Sacred and the Profane
- Part 1: Chapter 10: Wyatt's Torch (Sections 1-4)
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Discussion Questions
(Note: The listed page numbers are for the larger edition, softcover or hardback.)
Part 1: Chapter 9: The Sacred and the Profane
Section 1: 253-56
- Why does Hank say what he says to Dagny the morning after their first night together? Why does Dagny's reaction change as she listens to him? Why does she says what she says in response? (254-6)
Section 2: 256-67
- What kind of person is Cherryl Brooks? How and why does Cherryl misunderstand Jim Taggart's character? What does she think of what he says? Why doesn't she see the truth about him? (257-67)
Section 3: 267-9
- Why is Hank Rearden so tortured by the fact of Dagny's past lover? What does that tell her (and us) about him? Why won't she tell Rearden the identity of her prior lover? (268-9)
Section 4: 269-73
- What does Mr. Mowen reveal about his character in conversation with the worker (Owen Kellogg)? Are Mr. Mowen's views coherent or contradictory? How so? (270-3)
Section 5: 273-9
- Why does Hank presume that his invitation to speak at the National Council of Metal Industries is a peace offering? (275) How is he wrong? Why does Dagny think him (too) generous? (274-6)
- How and why is Hank optimistic about the future? Why does he think the Equalization of Opportunity Bill will not exist in three years? Is he right (at that time) to be so optimistic? (277)
- Why does Hank want Dagny to go on a vacation with him? Why does he want her to wear the bracelet of Rearden Metal? How has his attitude changed since their first night together? Why would anyone guessing their affair be worse for him than for her? (278-9)
Section 6: 279-91
- How is Starnesville in worse shape than other towns Hank and Dagny have seen? Why is it so alarming? (281, 283-6)
- Why is Dagny so excited to discover the motor? What disturbs Hank about the discovery? What is the importance of the creation of the motor and the significance of it being abandoned? (287-90)
Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?
Part 1: Chapter 10: Wyatt's Torch
Section 1: 292-4
- How and why did the 20th Century Motors die such an ignoble death? (292-3)
Section 2: 294-8
- How and why does Dagny respond as she does to the claim by Mayor Bascom that she is not Hank's wife? How and why does Hank respond as he does? What is it about Mayor Bascom's explanation that resembles Hank's own views? (296-7)
Section 3: 298-301
- How has Dagny protected Jim from the consequences of his Anti-Dog-Eat-Dog Rule? Did she see that so clearly at the time? Why does she feel a chill on thinking that self-interest is not Jim's motive? What is the alternative? (300)
Section 4: 301-9
- What kinds of shady actions must Rearden take to save his mills? Are those actions moral, even though illegal? How and why do government controls make criminals of honest men? (302)
- What does Lillian reveal about herself and her values in her conversation with Rearden? How does Rearden give Lillian more credit than she deserves? What does she deserve? What are her motives? (304-9)
- Why does Lillian think that Rearden has an obligation to make her happy? Is that a reasonable expectation? Is it a common expectation? Should Hank oblige her? (307)
Labels: Sessions
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Monday, October 19, 2009 |
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Explore Atlas Shrugged: Session 3 |
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By Diana Hsieh @ 10:00 AM
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 6-7 (Part A)
- Part 1: Chapter 6: The Non-Commercial
- Part 1: Chapter 7: The Exploiters and the Exploited (Sections 1-4)
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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)
Labels: Sessions
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Monday, October 12, 2009 |
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Explore Atlas Shrugged: Session 2 |
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By Diana Hsieh @ 10:00 AM
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 4-5
- Part 1: Chapter 4: The Immovable Movers
- Part 1: Chapter 5: The Climax of the d'Anconias
Or:
Podcast
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Discussion Questions
(Note: The listed page numbers are for the larger edition, softcover or hardback.)
Part 1, Chapter 4: Immovable Movers
Section 1 (64-69)
- Why does Dagny seek to be a passive spectator of greatness? Why is that so important to her? (65-6)
Section 2 (70-72)
- What is the nature of Jim's relationship with Betty Pope? What does that reveal about his capacity to feel emotions and his concern for spiritual values? (70-2)
Section 3 (72)
- How does Jim spin the San Sebastián nationalization to the Board? What does that reveal about his character? (72)
Section 4 (73)
- What do Jim Taggart and Orren Boyle think of Francisco D'Anconia? What does that reveal about them? (73)
Section 5 (73-77)
- What is the Anti-Dog-Eat-Dog Rule? Why do the railroad executives vote for it, even though they do not support it? (73-5)
- Why does Dagny not speak to Jim about the San Sebastián nationalization? Was that a mistake? Has he accepted that he was wrong? (75-6)
Section 6 (77-80)
- Why does Dagny Taggart want Dan Conway to fight the Anti-Dog-Eat-Dog Rule? Should he abide by it? Why is he willing to accept it? What has defeated him? (77-80)
- What is Dagny Taggart's view of the morality of sacrifice? What is Dan Conway's view? Who is right? (78)
Section 7 (81-82)
- Why does Wyatt speak as he does to Dagny? Why does she accept his beating? (81-2)
Section 8 (82-88)
- How do Hank and Dagny transact business? How are they both allies and antagonists? How is their approach different from that seen in the earlier meeting between the looters in the bar? (83-5)
- How does Dagny's response to the loading of the Rearden Metal differ from that his family? Has she given Hank something he needed? What is that? (86)
- Why does Hank say that he and Dagny are blackguards without spiritual values? Does Hank have spiritual values? Why does Hank's claim worry Dagny, yet only in part? (87-8)
Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?
Chapter 5: The Climax of the D'Anconias
Section 1 (89-90)
- How does Eddie Willers respond to the discovery that the San Sebastián Mines are worthless? Why? (89-90)
Section 2 (90-126)
- How was Jim Taggart corrupt in his childhood? Could he have been a better person? If so, why does he choose as he does? (93, 94, 95-6) What effect does college have on Jim? (99)
- Why does Francisco say that a person's work is "the only measure of human value"? Does he mean that nothing else in life matters? What is he warning Dagny against? (100)
- What is Francisco and Dagny's first sexual encounter like? Why? How were they innocent of any burden of sin — and why? (107-9)
- When they meet that last night in the Wayne-Faulkland Hotel, what is Francisco's state of mind? Why doesn't he tell Dagny everything? (111-5)
- How did Francisco swindle Jim and his friends with the San Sebastián Mines? How does he explain his actions to Dagny? What is her response? How was the swindle "tearing the lid off hell and letting men see it"? (118-121, 122-6)
Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?
Labels: Sessions
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Monday, October 5, 2009 |
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Explore Atlas Shrugged: Session 1 |
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By Diana Hsieh @ 10:00 AM
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 1-3
- Part 1: Chapter 1: The Theme
- Part 1: Chapter 2: The Chain
- Part 1: Chapter 3: The Top and the Bottom
Or:
Podcast
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Discussion Questions
(Note: The listed page numbers are for the larger edition, softcover or hardback.)
Section 1 (3-12)
- What is the state of the world? What is Eddie Willers' response to it? How is that world similar to and different from the world of today? (3-6, 11-12)
- — What is the meaning of the oak tree? Why does Eddie remember it as he walks through the city? (5)
- As children, how do Eddie and Dagny differ in their understanding of "the best within us"? What is Eddie's view of morality? (6)
- — What is Eddie's view of Ellis Wyatt? Why doesn't Jim share that view? Who is right? (9-10)
- What are Jim's methods of dealing with problems on the railroad? How is Eddie's approach different? How do those differences reflect each person's moral character? (7-11)
Section 2 (12-17)
- — What does Dagny think and feel in listening to the whistling of the brakeman? What does that say about her?
- How does Dagny's response to the stalled train differ from that of the crew? What qualities of character does she reveal? What does that suggest about the state of Taggart Transcontinental -- and the wider culture? (15-7)
- — What is Dagny's attitude toward her emotions? Is that right or wrong? (13, 17)
Section 3 (17-18)
- What is Dagny's emotional response on entering the Taggart terminal? What does she feel about her work? Is that unusual? Is that good? Why or why not?
Section 4 (18-26)
- Why doesn't Jim want to buy rail from Hank Rearden, particularly not rail made of Rearden Metal? How does he attempt to prevent Dagny from doing so? Why -- and how -- does Dagny insist on doing so? Who is right -- and why? (18-24)
Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?
Part 1, Chapter 2: The Chain
Section 1 (27-43)
- Is the pouring of the first heat of Rearden Metal an accomplishment worthy of notice and esteem? Why don't most people notice and esteem it? How does Rearden respond to the worker who does? How is that response unusual for Rearden? (27-32)
- When Rearden returns home after pouring his first heat of Rearden Metal, what does he want from his family? How do they treat him? Why? How does he respond to them? Why? (29-43)
- Why does Hank Rearden offer his brother Philip the donation for Friends of Global Progress? How does Philip respond -- and why? Was offering the donation a mistake on Hank's part? Why? (41-3)
- Does Hank have an obligation to support his family? Should he share his wealth with them? Does he owe them affection or attention? Why or why not? (29-43)
Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?
Part 1, Chapter 3: The Top and the Bottom
Section 1 (44-50)
- What is the deal that James Taggart and Orren Boyle make? Why don't they they speak of it openly -- and what moral claims do they use to conceal it? (44-50)
- Are the four men at the meeting -- James Taggart, Orren Boyle, Wesley Mouch, and Parl Larkin -- defenders of capitalism? Why or why not? (44-50)
Section 2 (50-62)
- What is the basic history of the San Sebastian Line? Why was Dagny opposed to it? How did Jim convince the Board of Directors to approve it? Why did Dagny build it?
- How is Dagny now protecting Taggart Transcontinental from the San Sebastian Line? Why does she fear its nationalization? (54-8)
- What is the basic story of Nat Taggart? Why does Dagny feel reverence for him? Why does she regret that he is an ancestor? (59-60)
Section 3 (62-63)
- What information about himself, Dagny, and the railroad does Eddie reveal to the railroad worker? (62-3)
Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?
Labels: Sessions
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