My Reaction to Hank Rearden's Treatment at Home

In the second chapter of the novel we are introduced to Henry “Hank” Rearden, the incredibly successful but highly scrutinized owner of Rearden Steel. When I first read the second chapter, I couldn't help but feel sorry for Hank. Throughout the first couple pages of this chapter, Hank reminisces about his beginning on the mines at the age of eighteen and his steady rise to ownership of mines and mills, and we establish a feel of how passionate Hank is about his business. So, it is sad to see that later on in the chapter how he is scrutinized for being so dedicated and proud of his business and product. Not only does the scrutiny come from the press, but also by his family whom we would expect would be the first people to share Hank’s pride. Instead, he is ashamed to go home and discuss his work knowing that his feelings will not be reciprocated, but instead mocked.

From the moment Hank arrives home, he receives nothing but brutal sarcasm and blunt commentary from his wife, mother, and two brothers. Throughout this chapter, his family continuously uses the word “selfish” and “conceited” to describe him claiming that he “…is not interested in man, beast, or weed unless it's tied in some way to himself and his work” (42). Though his family views him this way, in actuality Hank is a self-actualized and self-motivated man. Hank’s passion for his job has not only allowed him to become one of the most successful industrialists in the country but also virtuous. I believe that these traits are what Rand wants us to take away from Hank when reading the novel, directly correlating them to traits needed for a successful businessman.