Atlas Shrugged Movie Review, Again

Since the movie Atlas Shrugged: Part 1 is now available on DVD (and on Blu-Ray), I thought that I should repost my video review of the movie:

For detailed analyses of Ayn Rand's epic novel, Atlas Shrugged, see my Explore Atlas Shrugged podcast series.

Read more...

My Latest Reads on Audible

As I've blogged before, I've had a subscription with Audible for many years. I listen to audiobooks in my car, as well as while cooking, cleaning, and gardening. I've found that I much prefer to listen to fiction than to read it, because a good reader adds a rich layer of color to the text.

With my super-fancy "Platinum Annual Membership," I receive 24 books per year for just under $10 per book. (I've used it so much this past year that I'm likely going to need to renew early, since I've almost run out of credits!) For the less devoted, you can try Audible for free, then choose your preferred type of subscription.

Audible is part of the advertising network to which I belong. By using any of these links to purchase a subscription, you support my work without costing yourself an extra cent.

Lately, I listened to pretty much everything by Wilkie Collins (1824-1889) available on audiobook. Some were merely so-so, but I'd definitely recommend A Rogue's Life, The Moonstone, and The Woman in White. Here's the full list:

• A Rogue's Life by Wilkie Collins (5 stars, terribly witty and entertaining, very benevolent)
  
• The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins (4 stars, wonderful mystery)
  
• The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins (4 stars, very enjoyable mystery, fabulous heroine in Marian Halcombe)
  
• The Frozen Deep by Wilkie Collins (3 stars, worth hearing, but not fully satisfying)
  
• The Two Destinies by Wilkie Collins (3 stars, enjoyable listen)
  
• Mr Wray's Cash Box by Wilkie Collins (3 stars, okay)
  
• The Evil Genius by Wilkie Collins (2 stars, too-didactic story on the evils of divorce, and horribly read by John Bolen)

In addition, I just finished Middlemarch by George Eliot. I didn't like that as much as The Mill on the Floss, because the plot never reached a proper climax. However, the story was engaging throughout, and the depth of insight into the characters was truly remarkable.

What's next for me? I'm not sure!

Read more...

NoodleCast #86: Interview with Ari Armstrong about Harry Potter

Yesterday, I sat down with Ari Armstrong to discuss the Harry Potter novels, given that the final movie will be released this week. As you might already know, Ari is the author of the excellent (and recently expanded) book Values of Harry Potter.

Here are the questions that we discussed:

• How good can we expect the final movie to be, given the franchise's history?
  
• Why do so many people love Harry Potter?
  
• What are the basic values promoted by the novels?
  
• Are the Potter books religious?
  
• What are the psychological themes of the Potter books?
  
• What are the political themes?

Then, on a more personal note:

• What character do you most identify with? Why?
  
• What characters do you most admire? Why?
  
• What scene from the books most captures your imagination? Why?
  
• What do you say to someone reluctant to read the books?

Beware: The interview contains some major spoilers, so don't listen to it unless you've read all the books.

Listen Now

40:37 minutes

Download This Episode

• Enhanced M4A File (24.7 MB)
  
• Standard MP3 File (24.1 MB)

Subscribe to the Feed

• Subscribe to the Enhanced M4A Feed in iTunes or in your RSS reader
• Subscribe to the Standard MP3 Feed in iTunes or in your RSS reader

Read more...

My Latest Reads on Audible

As I've blogged before, I've had a subscription with Audible for many years. I listen to audiobooks in my car, as well as while doing mindless chores and gardening. I've found that I much prefer to listen to fiction than to read it, because a good reader adds a rich layer of color to the text.

With my super-fancy "Platinum Annual Membership," I receive 24 books per year for just under $10 per book. For the less devoted, you can try Audible for free, then choose your preferred type of subscription.

Audible is part of the advertising network to which I belong. By using any of these links to purchase a subscription, you support my work without costing yourself an extra cent.

Here are the audiobooks that I've read lately:

• Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy: Painfully naturalistic and malevolent, yet also epic and unforgettable.
  
• The Song of the Lark by Willa Cather: Also naturalistic, although more benevolent, but ultimately lacking in needed psychological depth.
  
• The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins: Compelling dystopia written for young adults, with shining and complex heroes.
  
• The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot: Compelling but heart-wrenching, definitely recommended to fellow fans of Jane Austen.

Read more...

Horcruxes and Harry Potter

In this video, Ari Armstrong of Free Colorado delves into the deeper meaning of a "Horcrux" in Harry Potter by contrasting it with that of the Christian cross, then explaining why the latter does not represent the values in the novel. It's well-worth watching, as I'd never noticed the parallels he explains here so clearly.



On a related note, Ari just released an expanded version of his excellent book Values of Harry Potter. Here's his tour through the book:

The release of the Expanded Edition of my book Values of Harry Potter offers a good opportunity for me to walk people through the book.

In the Introduction, I quickly review my own history with the Potter series and introduce the main topics of the original edition. I also summarize my take on the religious themes of J. K. Rowling's novels: "Some people argue that the books should be avoided because they oppose Christianity. Others argue that the books should be read and praised because they promote Christian themes. My claim is that the Christian elements of the Potter books are real but disconnected from the broader moral themes of the books."

Chapter One, "The Heroic Fight for Values," first discusses the major values that Harry Potter and his allies pursue: their lives and the lives of loved ones, their liberty, and their ability to live and work in peace. In contrast, "all the villains achieve is misery and self-destruction;" they destroy the values that make life worth living. The last part of the chapter, "Values in the Face of Death," reviews the stories of Lily protecting Harry with her life, Dumbledore doing the same for Draco, and Harry confronting Voldemort thinking he'll die in the process. I argue that these cases, too, illustrate the heroes acting heroically for their values.

Chapter Two, "Independence: Mark of the Hero," explores the virtue of independence in Rowling's heroes and the vice of dependence (or, to invoke Ayn Rand's term, second-handedness) in the villains. Independence in this context means approaching "all of life…according to one's own considered judgment of the facts," not "ignoring others, disdaining them, avoiding their company, or rejecting their help." Key examples of the second-handed approach are the Dursleys and Gilderoy Lockhart. The section, "Second-Handers and Power," discusses how power-lusters such as Minister Fudge, Dolores Umbridge, and Voldemort himself embody the second-hand mentality. By contrast, the heroes of the novels, particularly Dobby, Hermione, and Harry, maintain a fierce independence.

Chapter Three, "Free Will: 'It Matters Not What Someone Is Born,'" considers the similarities and differences between Harry and Voldemort. "Rowling shows that choice is key" to the very different paths they travel. The chapter also reviews the cases of Sirius Black and Severus Snape as illustrations of the power of free will. However, free will also has its limits, and the chapter explores these as well, as illustrated by the cases of Ariana (Dumbledore's sister), Merope (Voldemort's mother), and the house elf Kreacher.

Chapter Four, "The Clash of Love and Sacrifice," grows more critical. Is Lily's act of protecting Harry an example of sacrificial love in the Christian tradition? Invoking the wisdom of Aristotle, I argue that it is not; instead, Lily acts to protect her most cherished value. Though Rowling herself injects Christian symbolism into her stories, her characters actually show that they act in pursuit of their own values, and calling that "sacrifice" makes little sense. The chapter also considers the cases of Ron "sacrificing" himself on the chess board, Harry rescuing his enemies, and Dumbledore caring for his sister.

Chapter Five, "Materialism and Immortality," examines the significance of the Horcrux, an object of great evil. Central to the plot of the novels is Harry's quest to destroy Voldemort's Horcruxes. I argue that, while Rowling suggests belief in an immortal soul is necessary for virtue, her characters actually demonstrate otherwise.

For the Conclusion to the original edition, "Mischief Managed," I discuss Rowling's work as an example of Romantic literature. I argue, "The deeper magic of Harry Potter flows through our world, too."

Part Three: Additional Essays consists of eight essays new to the Expanded Edition.

The Psychology of Harry Potter reviews Rowling's experience with depression and relates it to the dementors of the novels. The essay goes on to explore the psychological significance of boggarts, the Mirror of Erised, the Resurrection Stone, and the scar that Voldemort gives Harry.

Wizard Law and Segregation reviews the various roles that government plays in the novels. In brief, the government protects wizards from harm, oppresses other races (which the heroes condemn), and regulates various behaviors. Notably, Rowling creates a world in which wizards forcibly segregate themselves from Muggles, something that seems at odds with Rowling's broader themes of political liberty.

News Media in Harry Potter counters criticism of the novels' treatment of journalism. I argue that Rowling actually presents a "constructive view of journalism within the series." I conclude, "The novels encourage readers to critically examine claims, regardless of their source, for internal consistency and adherence to the facts. Most importantly, the series urges readers to fight for the truth."

The final five essays review The Tales of Beedle the Bard, contrast Rowling's use of magic with the magic of fantasy writers J. R. R. Tolkien and Lloyd Alexander, recount "Harry Potter's Lessons for Muggle Politicians," discuss some similarities between Rowling and Ayn Rand, and review the Potter films.

If this seems interesting to you, I invite you to read my entire book!

I've not yet read the expanded edition of the book, but I really enjoyed the original version. In case you missed it before, here's the endorsement that I wrote for the original edition:

I've read all the Harry Potter novels multiple times, discussed them at length with friends, read essays analyzing them, and even published an essay of my own. Yet Ari Armstrong's Values of Harry Potter offered me a delightful array of fresh insights into J. K. Rowling's works. It offers fans of Harry Potter a unique opportunity to explore the core values of the novels, to discover why we find them so captivating and so inspiring. Readers will develop a deeper appreciation for Rowling's achievement in portraying life-loving, courageous heroes. They will discover compelling answers to any half-formed questions and doubts about the significance of her Christian themes. When I re-read the Harry Potter series -- as I'm eager to do again -- I will gain far more insight and inspiration from them than ever before, thanks to Values of Harry Potter.

If that sounds interesting, you can buy the paperback for $14.99 or the Kindle edition for $8.99.

Note to Appease the FTC Thugs: Ari sent me a free copy of this new edition of his book. That, plus our criminal history together in Mexico, is my sole reason for this blog post. Granted, any commissions earned from purchases thereof goes to Greg Perkins, my other partner in crime, due to Colorado's Amazon Tax. However, I'd find some way around that were it not for that Las Vegas caper involving the hooker, the truck driver, and the one-handed midget little person. He knows too much, dammit!

Read more...

Elizabeth Gaskell: A Taste

Lately, I have been voraciously reading Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-1865). I started with North and South, then read Cranford, and I just finished Mary Baron. North and South are full-fledged novels, with gripping plots and striking characters, set against the background of the Industrial Revolution. Cranford is a interwoven series of gently satirical vignettes. I've enjoyed them all immensely, and I strongly recommend them heartily, particularly to fans of Jane Austen.

As usual, I've been listening to what I can on audiobook from Audible.com, and then I'll read the rest of her collected works on my Kindle.

A few days ago, I dug up the following story from Cranford to send to Katie Granju, who recently lost her son teenage son Henry.

"Have you been in India?" said I, rather astonished.

"Oh, yes! many a year, ma'am. Sam was a sergeant in the 31st; and when the regiment was ordered to India, I drew a lot to go, and I was more thankful than I can tell; for it seemed as if it would only be a slow death to me to part from my husband. But, indeed, ma'am, if I had known all, I don't know whether I would not rather have died there and then than gone through what I have done since. To be sure, I've been able to comfort Sam, and to be with him; but, ma'am, I've lost six children," said she, looking up at me with those strange eyes that I've never noticed but in mothers of dead children - with a kind of wild look in them, as if seeking for what they never more might find. "Yes! Six children died off, like little buds nipped untimely, in that cruel India. I thought, as each died, I never could - I never would - love a child again; and when the next came, it had not only its own love, but the deeper love that came from the thoughts of its little dead brothers and sisters. And when Phoebe was coming, I said to my husband, 'Sam, when the child is born, and I am strong, I shall leave you; it will cut my heart cruel; but if this baby dies too, I shall go mad; the madness is in me now; but if you let me go down to Calcutta, carrying my baby step by step, it will, maybe, work itself off; and I will save, and I will hoard, and I will beg - and I will die, to get a passage home to England, where our baby may live?' God bless him! he said I might go; and he saved up his pay, and I saved every pice I could get for washing or any way; and when Phoebe came, and I grew strong again, I set off. It was very lonely; through the thick forests, dark again with their heavy trees - along by the river's side (but I had been brought up near the Avon in Warwickshire, so that flowing noise sounded like home) - from station to station, from Indian village to village, I went along, carrying my child. I had seen one of the officer's ladies with a little picture, ma'am - done by a Catholic foreigner, ma'am - of the Virgin and the little Saviour, ma'am. She had him on her arm, and her form was softly curled round him, and their cheeks touched. Well, when I went to bid good-bye to this lady, for whom I had washed, she cried sadly; for she, too, had lost her children, but she had not another to save, like me; and I was bold enough to ask her would she give me that print. And she cried the more, and said her children were with that little blessed Jesus; and gave it me, and told me that she had heard it had been painted on the bottom of a cask, which made it have that round shape. And when my body was very weary, and my heart was sick (for there were times when I misdoubted if I could ever reach my home, and there were times when I thought of my husband, and one time when I thought my baby was dying), I took out that picture and looked at it, till I could have thought the mother spoke to me, and comforted me. And the natives were very kind. We could not understand one another; but they saw my baby on my breast, and they came out to me, and brought me rice and milk, and sometimes flowers - I have got some of the flowers dried. Then, the next morning, I was so tired; and they wanted me to stay with them - I could tell that - and tried to frighten me from going into the deep woods, which, indeed, looked very strange and dark; but it seemed to me as if Death was following me to take my baby away from me; and as if I must go on, and on - and I thought how God had cared for mothers ever since the world was made, and would care for me; so I bade them good-bye, and set off afresh. And once when my baby was ill, and both she and I needed rest, He led me to a place where I found a kind Englishman lived, right in the midst of the natives."

"And you reached Calcutta safely at last?"

"Yes, safely! Oh! when I knew I had only two days' journey more before me, I could not help it, ma'am - it might be idolatry, I cannot tell - but I was near one of the native temples, and I went into it with my baby to thank God for His great mercy; for it seemed to me that where others had prayed before to their God, in their joy or in their agony, was of itself a sacred place. And I got as servant to an invalid lady, who grew quite fond of my baby aboard-ship; and, in two years' time, Sam earned his discharge, and came home to me, and to our child. ... [In the novel, the child Phoebe is alive and well when this story is recounted.]

Literature is, undoubtedly, my most valued form of art. (By that, I mean serious literature, not popular fiction.) I could do without all other forms of art, if need be... but to deprive me of literature would be to steal my very soul! And Elizabeth Gaskell has been a most nourishing discovery for me.

Read more...

NoodleCast #38: Explore Atlas Shrugged, Session 20

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 9 - Part 3, Chapter 10

• Part 3: Chapter 9: The Generator
  
• Part 3: Chapter 10: In the Name of the Best Within Us

Or:

• Pages 1126 - 1168 in the larger Hardcover or Softcover
  
• Pages 1035 - 1074 in the smaller Mass Market Paperback

Podcast

Listen Now

63:46 minutes

Download This Episode

• Enhanced M4A File (30.1 MB)
  
• Standard MP3 File (29.2 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.)

Part 3: Chapter 9: The Generator

Section 1: 1126-1133

• What is Dr. Stadler's purpose and state of mind as he drives to Project X? (1126-8) What does he find at Project X? What happens -- and why? (1128-33)

Section 2: 1133-1139

• What is the response of the looters to Galt's exposure of the gun at the banquet? What do they plan to do? Why is that significant? What does Dagny now understand about their motives? (1133-6)
  
• What is the significance of Dagny's response to the destruction of the Taggart Bridge? How is that one last test for her? (1137-8)

Section 3: 1139-1146

• What is the Ferris Persuader? How does Galt react to its use on him? How do the looters react?
  
• How does Galt respond to the breakdown of the Ferris Persuader? How do the looters react? (1139-46)
  
• Why does Jim Taggart collapse? What does he understand about himself? How do the other looters respond -- and why? (1145-6)

Whole Chapter

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

Part 3: Chapter 10: In the Name of the Best Within Us

Section 1: 1147-1160

• Why does Dagny confront the guard in the way that she does? What choice does she offer him -- and why? Why does she shoot him when he refuses to choose? (1147-8)
  
• How do Dagny, Hank, Francisco, and Ragnar deal with the guards? What is the significance of that? What is the significance of the guards' reactions to them? (1147-54)
  
• Why does John Galt say that he had to be the one tortured? How does that serve the strike? (1155)
  
• Why were so many men of the valley willing to assault the State Science Institute to free John Galt? Why does he mean so much to them? Was that self-sacrifice? (1157)

Section 2: 1160-1167

• What is Eddie Willers' state of mind when the Comet stalls? What does he learn? (1160-7)
  
• Why does he refuse to join the wagon caravan? What will happen to him? Why does he suffer this end? (1163-5)

Section 3: 1167-1168

• What will happen once the producers return to the world? How will they re-establish America? (1168)

Whole Chapter

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

Whole Part

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

Whole Book

• What are the most important themes of the novel? How were those conveyed by the events and characters?

Read more...

NoodleCast #36: Explore Atlas Shrugged, Session 19

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 8

• Part 3, Chapter 8: The Egoist

Or:

• Pages 1070-1125 in the larger Hardcover or Softcover
  
• Pages 993-1035 in the smaller Mass Market Paperback

Podcast

Listen Now

69:18 minutes

Download This Episode

• Enhanced M4A File (32.7 MB)
  
• Standard MP3 File (31.8 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.)

Part 3, Chapter 8: The Egoist

Section 1 (1070-1076)

• What is the initial reaction of the looters to the broadcast before Dagny speaks? (1070-2) What does she say to them? (1072-4) How do they react? What does she learn about them? (1073-6)

Section 2 (1076-1078)

• Why does Eddie say that he wouldn't turn John Galt over to the looters to save the railroad? What does that say about his loyalties? (1078)
  
• Why doesn't Dagny go on strike after hearing Galt's speech? What does she hope to gain by remaining in the world? What does Eddie understand that she does not? (1078)

Section 3 (1078-1086)

• How does the government respond to Galt's radio speech? What do ordinary people think and do? What does that show? (1078-84)
  
• What does Mr. Thompson say he wants in his meeting with Dagny? What are his true motives? How does he manipulate her? (1084-6)

Section 4 (1086-1096)

• Why does Dagny decide to seek out John Galt? What risk is she taking? Why is she willing to take it? (1086-9)
  
• Why must Dagny take the looters' side when Galt is captured by them? (1090-2) Is such deception moral? Why would Galt kill himself if the looters tortured Dagny? (1091)
  
• How does Galt's apartment -- the laboratory versus the garrett -- represent the either-or choice confronting the world? (1092-3)
  
• What do the government representatives demand of John Galt? What is his response? (1095-6)

Section 5 (1097-1105)

• What does Mr. Thompson offer Galt? Why does Galt reject all of these offers? What kind of deal would Galt consider? (1098-1104)
  
• Why doesn't Galt take power and then attempt to outsmart the looters? What would the results of that be? (1104)

Section 6 (1105-1119)

• Why don't any of the looters want to talk to John Galt? How do their different reasons reveal their characters? (1106-8) Why does Dagny refuse to speak to Galt? (1108-9)
  
• What does Dagny think of the looters now? What does she think about the world? What does she think about her work? Why doesn't she go on strike yet? (1108-11)
  
• What is Jim Taggart's response to John Galt? How is it distinctive? (1111-3)
  
• What is Galt's reaction to the Chick Morrison's pleas for pity for the weak and to Floyd Ferris' threats of mass murder? Is he right to respond as he does? (1113-4)
  
• Why does Eddie volunteer to go to San Francisco? What does he think Dagny will do in the meantime? What does Dagny offer him? Why does he refuse? Why can't he start over? (1116)
  
• What happens to Dr. Stadler as he prepares to meet and then speaks to Galt? Why is the meeting so traumatic for him? What is the significance of what he says, including the change as speaks? (1116-9)

Section 7 (1119-1125)

• Why are the looters willing to risk a public appearance by John Galt? (1119-25)
  
• What does Dagny experience at the banquet unveiling the John Galt Plan? What does she come to understand about the looters -- and why? What has she decided? (1121-1124)

Whole Chapter

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

Read more...

Questions on Art Preferences

Some FormSpring Questions and Answers on personal preferences in art:

What is your favourite classic novel, outside of Rand?

It's hard to name one, so here's a few, in some rough order:

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
  
• Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
  
• Persuasion by Jane Austen
  
• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
  
• The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo
  
• The Sea Wolf by Jack London
  
• Shirley by Charlotte Bronte
  
• Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

I love classic fiction, and I read a great deal of it, but I'm not nearly as widely read as I'd like to be.

Which TV shows do you watch?

Some of these shows are no longer running, but we're still watching them on DVD.

• The Unit
  
• Burn Notice
  
• Psych
  
• South Park
  
• The Office
  
• Inside the NFL

Of all of them, I like The Unit the best... perhaps even more than Firefly.

Do you like Rush? Why or why not?

No. It's too hard rock for me. My tastes run more to pop. (Go Mika!) I can't stand to listen to more than a few seconds of it.

Read more...

Brontë Sisters Power Dolls

This fake advertisement is far, far beyond all ordinary awesome: Brontë Sisters Power Dolls:



(Via Rory.)

Read more...

NoodleCast #34: Explore Atlas Shrugged, Sessions 17 & 18

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, Chapters 7

• Part 3, Chapter 7: This Is John Galt Speaking

Or:

• Pages 1000-1069 in the larger Hardcover or Softcover, break at 1035
  
• Pages 927-993 in the smaller Mass Market Paperback, break at 951

Podcast

Listen Now

103:49 minutes

Download This Episode

• Enhanced M4A File (48.7 MB)
  
• Standard MP3 File (47.5 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.)

Part 3: Chapter 7: This Is John Galt Speaking

Section 1 (1000-1069)

• What is Dagny's response to the news that Hank Rearden has quit? What does it mean to her? What does it mean to Jim Taggart, the other looters, and ordinary people? (1000-3)
  
• Why does Hank Rearden send the message that he does to Dagny from the valley? Why is the message so important to Dagny? (1002-3)
  
• Why was Dagny Taggart invited to the radio broadcast? Why does she refuse to participate? (1005-7)

Speech: Overview (1009-1069)

• What is the purpose of John Galt's radio speech? Who is his intended audience? What does he hope to accomplish? (1009-69)
  
• What was Ayn Rand's purpose in writing full text of speech into novel? Why do the readers of the novel need to hear the speech too? (1009-69)
  

Speech: Introduction (1009-1011)

• How does John Galt motivate and intrigue his listeners? What does he tell them that's news to them? (1009-11)

Speech: The Morality of Life (1011-1025)

• Why and how is morality necessary for life, according to Galt? Does man have an automatic knowledge of or desire for survival? Why not? (1012-5)
  
• What is the standard of value? Why? What is the alternative to that standard? How is the contrast concretized in the novel? (1012-15)
  
• What are the three basic axioms? How are they fundamental to thought and life? What role have they played in the events of the novel? (1015-6)
  
• How -- and why -- is a person's use of his mind fundamental to morality? What does it mean to think -- or not? How is the refusal to think different from ignorance? How do Hank Rearden and Robert Stadler exemplify that difference? (1016-8)
  
• What are the basic virtues identified by John Galt? What is the basic meaning of each virtue and how does it promote a person's life and values? What is an example of each virtue in action (and its opposite vice) from the novel? (1018-21)
  
• What is the proper role of emotions in life? How are emotions shaped by choices? How does a person achieve happiness? (1021-2)
  
• What is Galt's view of a person's obligations to others? What does it mean to trade with others in matter and spirit? How has that been dramatized in the novel? (1022-3)
  
• What is the initiation of force? How does that "negate and paralyze [a man's] means of survival"? What examples of that have we seen in the novel?
  (1023-4)

Speech: The Morality of Death (1025-1034)

• What is the doctrine of Original Sin? Why does Galt condemn it? Why does he discuss it? (1025-6)
  
• What is Galt's view of the idea that mind and body are antagonists? What are the moral implications of that view? What characters have illustrated the mind-body split in the novel? (1026-7)
  
• Who are the "mystics of muscle" and the "mystics of spirit"? How are they different? How are they similar? Who are the best examples of these mystics in the novel? (1027)
  
• What does Galt mean by sacrifice? Why does he reject sacrifice as immoral? What is the goal and result of the morality of sacrifice? (1028-9)
  
• How -- and why -- is the morality of sacrifice impossible to practice? How and why does it ultimately demand the sacrifice of virtue to vice? How and why does it poison relationships between people? What events of the novel have dramatized that? (1030-3)
  
• What does Galt think of the ideal of universal brother-love? Why? What is the proper view of love? (1033-4)

(Recommended Break between Sessions 17 and 18)

Speech: The Teachers of the Morality of Death (1034-1047)

• How have the mystics of muscle and mystics of spirit convinced people to adopt the morality of sacrifice? What is their "single holy absolute"? How does that violate the axioms? (1034-7)
  
• What is causality? How is it related to the axiom of identity? How do the mystics of muscle and spirit attempt to deny it? How do they attempt to reverse cause and effects? How is that illustrated in the events of the novel? (1037-8)
  
• How is the mystic like a savage, yet worse? What is the essence of savagery, according to Galt? (1038-45)
  
• What is the relationship between the dictator and the mystic? What does each aim for? Who is their mutual enemy -- and why? How has that been illustrated in the novel? (1044-7)
  
• What is the conspiracy of the mystics? What is their ultimate goal? Why is no compromise with them possible? (1046-7)
  
• Why does John Galt speak at such length about these teachers of the morality of death? Why do Dagny and Galt's other listeners need to know so much about them? (1034-1047)

Speech: Choose the Morality of Life (1047-1069)

• Why does John Galt explain his own choice to go on strike? (1047-8)
  
• Why does Galt directly address the looters? What does he say, and why? What will be their fate? Is that fair? (1048-52)
  
• What is Galt's basic purpose in speaking directly to the people who retain some shred of love for their lives? What is his overall message? What are the major points he covers -- and why? (1052-69)
  
• What is wrong with the view that the moral is opposed to the practical? What are its effects on a person? How has that been illustrated in the novel? Why must people reject it? (1052-4)
  
• What are the other wrong views that people must reject? Why must they reject them to reject the morality of sacrifice? (1054-8)
  
• What advice does Galt offer to people seeking to live by the morality of life? What must they do, in concrete terms? How have those principles been illustrated by the events in the novel? (1058-60)
  
• When the strikers return to the world, what principles will govern their society and government? What is the basis of those principles? What kind of society will they produce? (1060-5)
  
• In a free society, how and why do the more capable people benefit the less capable more than vice versa? How is that illustrated in the novel? What is the common opposing view? (1063-5)
  
• What concrete steps does Galt recommend to his life-loving listeners? How will that benefit the strike? When will the strike end? (1066-8)

Whole Chapter

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

Read more...

NoodleCast #33: Explore Atlas Shrugged, Session 16

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, Chapters 5B-6

• Part 3, Chapter 5: Their Brothers' Keepers (Sections 3-4)
  
• Part 3, Chapter 6: The Concerto of Deliverance

Or:

• Pages 936-999 in the larger Hardcover or Softcover
  
• Pages 869-927 in the smaller Mass Market Paperback

Podcast

Listen Now

92:49 minutes

Download This Episode

• Enhanced M4A File (43.7 MB)
  
• Standard MP3 File (42.5 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.)

Part 3, Chapter 5: Their Brothers' Keepers

Section 3 (936-943)

• How is the economy disintegrating faster than ever? How do Dagny's concerns differ from those in power? (936-9)
  
• What happens in Minnesota with the harvest? Why does it happen? What will its effects be? (939-43)

Section 4 (943-962)

• Why does Dagny attend the meeting with the looters? Why does she think she was invited? How was she wrong? What does she learn about their actual goals and methods? (944-8)
  
• What is Dagny's response to the breakdown of the signal system in the Taggart Terminal? Why is that important? What is her response to the discovery of John Galt among the workers? (949-955)
  
• What is the motive and meaning of John Galt's and Dagny's sexual encounter? What might its consequences be? (955-62)
  
• What is Galt's view of Dagny's affair with Hank Rearden? Why does Galt have that view of it? Why did Galt envy Rearden for that brief moment on seeing him, but only just that brief moment? (958-960)
  
• Why doesn't Dagny want Galt to repair the signal system in the terminal? Why is she still willing to work for the looters? (961-2)

Whole Chapter

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

Part 3, Chapter 6: The Concerto of Deliverance

Section 1 (963-999)

• What is Hank Rearden's attitude toward Rearden Steel now? Why is that significant? (962-6)
  
• What does Hank Rearden's family say to him during their meeting? What do they want from him? What does he learn from that conversation? (968-76)
  
• How and why does Hank Rearden's mother ask him for forgiveness? Why does he refuse? Under what conditions would he have accepted? (970-76)
  
• What does Hank Rearden come to understand about his relationship with Lillian, including why she chose him? What does she reveal about her motives and values? Why is Hank indifferent to her? What does that do to her -- and why? (974-6)
  
• What is the purpose of the Steel Unification Plan? What are the looters counting on? What does Hank Rearden understand about these kinds of schemes from his meeting with the looters? (980-7)
  
• What are the three tumblers that come into place for Rearden during this meeting with the looters? What are the looters counting on? (985-6)
  
• How has Rearden's attitude toward his mills changed as he drives back toward them? How will that enable him to go on strike? (988)
  
• What has the Wet Nurse has done to save the mills? What is so significant about that -- and about his death? What has he learned from Rearden? Why does Rearden respond as he does -- with tenderness toward the Wet Nurse and anger toward his teachers? (989-95)
  
• What has made Hank ready to hear what Francisco had to say, in a way that he wasn't before? What took Hank so long? (998-9)

Whole Chapter

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

Read more...

NoodleCast #32: Explore Atlas Shrugged, Session 15

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 4: Anti-Life
  
• Part 3, Chapter 5: Their Brothers' Keeper (Part A)

Or:

• Pages 864-936 in the larger Hardcover or Softcover
  
• Pages 802-869 in the smaller Mass Market Paperback

Podcast

Listen Now

80:15 minutes

Download This Episode

• Enhanced M4A File (37.8 MB)
  
• Standard MP3 File (36.8 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.)

Part 4, Chapter 4: Anti-Life

Section 1 (864-885)

• Why does Jim Taggart want to celebrate the upcoming nationalization of D'Anconia Copper?  Why doesn't he want to admit the nature of his satisfaction to himself?  (864-71)
  
• How has Cherryl Taggart changed since her wedding?  What kind of person is she now? What has she learned about Jim? (868-885)
  
• What is Jim Taggart's view of love?  Is it right or wrong?  Why?  (876-7, 881-2)
  
• What are the similarities and differences between Jim's marriage to Cherryl and Lillian's marriage to Hank?  Which is worse?  (873-883)
  
• How and why is Cherryl already destroyed by Jim, when she realizes what kind of person Jim is?  (882-3)

Section 2 (886-892)

• What is Dagny's psychological state now?  What does she think of her choice to leave the valley?  (886-7)
  
• Why does Cherryl visit Dagny?  What kind of support does Dagny offer her?  Why does Dagny offer that support?  (887-92)

Section 3 (892-900)

• How has Lillian Rearden changed in recent months?  What is her psychological state?  What has caused the change? (893-7)
  
• What does Lillian reveal about her understanding of Hank Rearden's virtues -- when she married him and now?  What were her motives in marrying him?  (898-9)
  
• What is the significance of the sex between Lillian and Jim, including the way it begins?  How is it revenge on Hank Rearden?  How is it another Gift Certificate in Lillian's eyes?  (898-900)

Section 4 (900-908)

• Why is Cherryl so shaken by realizing that Jim has slept with another woman?  Why does Jim respond as he does when Cherryl tells him that she knows?  Why is that so unbearable for her? (900-4)
  
• What is Jim's explanation for why he married Cherryl?  Why is she so horrified by that?  (902-4)
  
• What does Cherryl think as she wanders the streets of New York City?  Why doesn't she go to Dagny?  Why can't she start over?  Could she have been saved by the valley?  (904-8)

Whole Chapter

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

Chapter 5: Their Brothers' Keeper

Section 1 (909-925)

• How is the transportation system functioning now?  How is that the natural result of the government policies?  What will its future be?  (910-5)
  
• How does Jim react to Dagny's suggestion that the looters give up power and allow the producers to rebuild the country?  Why?  Why does he want to retain power?  (916-7)
  
• Is Jim right or wrong to say that we are our brother's keepers?  Why?  (917-8)
  
• What is the significance of the way in which D'Anconia Copper is nationalized?  What were the looters counting on?  Why do they feel cheated?  (918-20)
  
• What is Dagny's reaction to the destruction of D'Anconia Copper?  Why does she feel that way?  What is Hank Rearden's reaction?  How do their reactions contrast with the reaction of Jim Taggart and other people?  (920-25)
  
• Why is Hank Rearden bored with his work now? (922) What motivates him to keep working?  (923-4)

Section 2 (925-936)

• What is the current state of the world? (925-7)
  
• Why does Philip Rearden want a job from Hank Rearden?  Why does Hank refuse him? (927-32)
  
• What lesson does Hank learn from his divorce from Lillian?  (932-4)
  
• How does the Wet Nurse asking for a job differ from Philip's demand for a job?  What has the Wet Nurse learned from his two years with Hank Rearden? (934-6, 927-32)

Read more...

NoodleCast #31: Explore Atlas Shrugged, Session 14

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 3: Anti-Greed

Or:

• Pages 816-863 in the larger Hardcover or Softcover
  
• Pages 758-802 in the smaller Mass Market Paperback

Podcast

Listen Now

68:08 minutes

Download This Episode

• Enhanced M4A File (32.1 MB)
  
• Standard MP3 File (31.2 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.)

Part 3, Chapter 3: Anti-Greed

Section 1 (816-831)

• How does Dr. Ferris manage and manipulate Dr. Stadler at the unveiling of Project X? How -- and why -- does Ferris treat Stadler as he does? (816-31)
  
• What choices does Dr. Stadler face during the unveiling of Project X? Why does he choose as he does? What is his final choice? (816-31)
  
• What is so evil about Dr. Stadler's endorsement of Project X? How will his endorsement affect other people? How will it affect him? (816-31)

Section 2 (831-850)

• What is so striking to Dagny about the world on her return to it? How does the contrast with the valley make her see the world in a new light? (831-3)
  
• What does Dagny tell Eddie about her absence? What is Eddie's state of mind now? (836-8)
  
• What is the Railroad Unification Plan? How does it function? What are its effects? What does it show Dagny about the looters? (840-3)
  
• What is Jim Taggart's response to Dagny's return? What is his view of and approach to the problems of Taggart Transcontinental? (839-46)
  
• How does Lillian attempt to blackmail Dagny into appearing on Bertram Scudder's radio program? What does Lillian reveal about her views and motives in the process? (847-50)

Section 3 (850-863)

• What does Dagny say on Bertram Scudder's radio program? How does it undermine the government and its supporters? (851-4)
  
• Why is Dagny conflicted about what she says on the radio? Why is she not concerned about her reputation as a woman? What is her consolation? (851-4)
  
• What does Hank Rearden say to Dagny on her return to the apartment? What is its meaning and importance? What has Rearden learned since the night that their affair began? (856-61)
  
• What is Hank Rearden's attitude toward Dagny's final choice of John Galt? Is he right to be so calm and happy? (860-1)
  

Whole Chapter

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

Read more...

NoodleCast #30: Explore Atlas Shrugged, Session 13

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 2: The Utopia of Greed

Or:

• Pages 752-815 in the larger Hardcover or Softcover
  
• Pages 699-758 in the smaller Mass Market Paperback

Podcast

Listen Now

76:38 minutes

Download This Episode

• Enhanced M4A File (36.1 MB)
  
• Standard MP3 File (35.1 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.)

Part 3, Chapter 2: The Utopia of Greed

Section 1 (752-761)

• Why does John Galt not want to hear what Ragnar Danneskjöld has to say about Hank Rearden? (756-7)
  
• What kind of lesson does Ragnar seek to teach the world by his piracy?  Given the risks, is he sacrificing himself for the cause? Why do the other strikers disapprove?  Who is right? (757-8)
  
• Why does Dagny want to earn her keep as Galt's cook and maid?  What does the work -- and the wages in gold -- mean to her?  (760-1)

Section 2 (761-769)

• What does Dagny's apparent death mean to the outside world, and to Hank Rearden?  What does she think and feel about that? (761-3)
  
• Why is communication between the valley and the outside world forbidden during the vacation month?  Should Dagny have asked for a special exception to tell Hank that she is safe?  Why doesn't she do so? (763-4, 769)
  
• Why did Francisco go on strike?  How was Dagny the final argument for doing so, even though that meant giving her up?  Are his reasons selfish or selfless? (765-7)
  
• Why does Francisco accept Dagny's taking Hank as a lover?  Why does he say that she still loves him?  In what way does she love him?  (767-8)

Section 3 (769-781)

• Why and how will Francisco be richer producing one pound of copper in the valley than in producing tons of copper in the outside world?  What does that say about the value of production and wealth?  (771)
  
• Why is Dagny agitated over John Galt's routine absences from home in the evening?  Of her two worries, which is more severe -- and why? (773)
  
• Why do Dagny and Galt feel such strong sexual desire for each other -- yet refrain from consummating it?  Would it be wrong at this point -- and if so, why? (775-81)

Section 4 (781-791)

• How and why does Richard Halley have more in common with the businessmen in the valley than with the artists in the outside world?  What is the commonality between art and business? (782-4) 
  
• What is the attitude of the mother toward the raising of her children?  How does it differ from the mothers in the outside world?  (784-5)
  
• How are Dr. Akston's three pupils -- John, Ragnar, and Francisco -- both normal men and exceptional? (786) What were the critical points about their education?  (786-90)
  
• How does Dr. Akston explain the roots of Dr. Stadler's moral decay?  What choices did Stadler face?  Where did he choose wrongly?  Why is Stadler the most guilty?  How has he made the world in his own image? (789-91)

Section 5 (791-802)

• Why is Dagny so excited by Francisco's mine?  Why does that excitement collapse?  (791-4)
  
• Why did Galt give Francisco a chance with Dagny when she went to the cabin at Woodstock?  Why won't he do so later, in the valley?  (795-7)
  
• Why does Francisco want Dagny to stay with him for the week?  Why does Dagny want Galt to decide?  What is the significance of his decision?  What would have been the consequences for Dagny, Galt, and Francisco if Galt decided other than he did?  How would that act of self-sacrifice have been faking reality?  (796-8)
  
• How does Dagny react to Hank Rearden's plane? Why does she react that way?  (799-802)
  
• What is Dagny's basic conflict about whether to stay in the valley or not?  (801-2)

Section 6 (802-813)

• Why does Dagny choose to return to the world?  What does she still have left to learn?  (806-7, 811-2)
  
• How does Francisco react to learning about Galt and Dagny's feelings for each other?  Why?  (809-10)
  
• Why is John Galt going back to the world?  Is he right to do so?  (809-13)

Section 7 (813-815)

• How does Dagny feel about returning to the world? (813-5)

Whole Chapter

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

Read more...

NoodleCast #29: Explore Atlas Shrugged, Session 12

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

Or:

• Pages 699-751 in the larger Hardcover or Softcover
  
• Pages 651-699 in the smaller Mass Market Paperback

Podcast

Listen Now

64:55 minutes

Download This Episode

• Enhanced M4A File (30.6 MB)
  
• Standard MP3 File (29.8 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.)

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?

Read more...

NoodleCast #28: Explore Atlas Shrugged, Session 11

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

Or:

• Pages 633-697 in the larger Hardcover or Softcover
  
• Pages 591-650 in the smaller Mass Market Paperback

Podcast

Listen Now

79:51 minutes

Download This Episode

• Enhanced M4A File (37.6 MB)
  
• Standard MP3 File (36.6 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.)

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?

Read more...

NoodleCast #27: Explore Atlas Shrugged, Session 10

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

Or:

• Pages 567-632 in the larger Hardcover or Softcover
  
• Pages 531-591 in the smaller Mass Market Paperback

Podcast

Listen Now

67:38 minutes

Download This Episode

• Enhanced M4A File (31.9 MB)
  
• Standard MP3 File (31.0 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.)

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 Eddie Willers' state of mind while Dagny is at the cabin?  What is happening at Taggart Transcontinental? (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?  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)

• 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?

Read more...

NoodleCast #26: Explore Atlas Shrugged, Session 9

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

Or:

• Pages 496-566 in the larger Hardcover or Softcover
  
• Pages 466-531 in the smaller Mass Market Paperback

Podcast

Listen Now

81:14 minutes

Download This Episode

• Enhanced M4A File (38.3 MB)
  
• Standard MP3 File (37.2 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.)

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?

Read more...

NoodleCast #25: Explore Atlas Shrugged, Session 8

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

Or:

• Pages 438-495 in the larger Hardcover or Softcover
  
• Pages 412-465 in the smaller Mass Market Paperback

Podcast

Listen Now

79:27 minutes

Download This Episode

• Enhanced M4A File (37.4 MB)
  
• Standard MP3 File (36.4 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.)

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?

Read more...