Essay : The Meaning Of Atlas Shrugged
Write an essay on ONE of the following topics:
1. The covers of many editions of Atlas Shrugged describe it as “a mystery story, not about the murder of man’s body, but about the murder—and rebirth—of man’s spirit.” Choose three of the most significant mysteries you encounter in Part I of the novel and explain what you think are the solutions to each. For each one, how does it relate to “the murder—and rebirth—of man’s spirit”?
2. Atlas Shrugged tells the story of what happens to a society when its most productive members go missing. Where today can a similar situation be found? Select a well-known situation that has made international headlines.
3. Explain what you understand to be both the cause and the effect of the situation. In what ways are the circumstances similar to the story of Atlas Shrugged? In what ways are they different? James says to Cherryl: “I don’t want to be loved for anything. I want to be loved for myself not for anything I do or have or say or think.” What does James mean by this? What do Cherryl’s responses to James suggest her view of love to be? What is your view? How does this issue relate to the wider themes of the novel?
The essay must be double spaced. Essays will be judged on whether the student is able to argue for and justify his or her view—not on whether the Institute agrees with the view the student expresses. Judges will look for writing that is clear, articulate and logically organized. Winning essays must demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophic meaning of Atlas Shrugged. Essay must be original.
