A War and a Game (Meagan Adler)

After this week’s reading, I was particularly intrigued by the way Rand uses inanimate objects as representations of intangible capitalistic ideals; in my opinion, I think the Taggart Bridge symbolizes that capitalism is still durable, even in the quickly deteriorating socialistic society.  This further suggests that capitalism has the strength the economy needs in order to survive. Also, when the government regulates the parts of buildings that are accessible to society, it cuts down the “tops of the cities” (pg. 463); I think that the tops of the buildings represent the wealthy self-seeking individuals at the top of the social hierarchy that are symbols of capitalism. Therefore, when the government sets these restrictions, this relation suggests that they are trying to destroy capitalism.  I also liked how Rand described the conflict between the socialists and the capitalists as a war; at Dagny’s meeting with the Taggart Board of Directors, the continuous coughing that disrupts the meeting is described as “the rattle of a machine gun” (pg. 464); this reference indicates that the socialist government is gradually dominating and plaguing capitalists in their war on the free market.  Also, Dr. Ferris says, “‘In times of crisis economic service to the nation is just as much of a duty as military service‘” (pg.503); this underscores the idea that economic service is the needed military service that protects the socialists in their war against the capitalists.  Dr. Ferris also says, “there is no way to disarm any man” (pg. 506), which suggests the idea of war between the socialistic government and the capitalistic enemies, primarily Rearden.  Lastly, I liked how Rand refers to Directive Number 10-289 as a game; we see this reference when Boyle comments that the government is “stacking the cards” (pg.499) when the officials are discussing point one of the bill; this means that they are allowing one unit to take too much control of the future of the government, centralizing power in an elite group of officials.  The government is “playing the game” (pg.500) with society and suspects that the majority “will play along” (pg. 505).