Dagny's Peak in happiness

            Contrary to last week’s post, I found this week’s reading (roughly in the early 300’s) exhilarating. As observed throughout the previous parts of this novel, Dagny rubs off as an overly ambitious, bore. I have always admired her motivation, but not her overall disposition towards life. That is, however, up until this section I have come to idolize Dagny more than ever. Dagny reaches a peak in her happiness. She comes up with a brilliant idea of making an entirely new train line business, in Colorado. Dagny is fed up with feeling restrained to use Rearden’s Metal, so she resigns temporarily as Vice President, in hopes of starting an even more prosperous company, without limitations. Fortunately for Dagny, many wealthy businessmen invest in the new train line, with confidence that it will succeed. On July 22^nd, the John Galt Line is finished, Eddie cuts the ceremony ribbon, and many people surround the new train in awe. Dagny and Hank enter the train and drive all through Colorado until they meet their destination. I noticed Dagny’s peek of happiness on this ride. She and Hank clearly have sexual feelings for one another; they share intimate looks throughout the ride. When the train arrives at its final stop, many people, including Ellis Wyatt greet Dagny and Hank. Ellis takes the two back to his home and provides dinner and rooms for them. That night, Dagny and Hank have sex, and although he is committed to Lillian, it makes me happy for Dagny, that someone of her own kind shares intimate feelings for her.  Overall, Dagny shows an extreme appreciation of life in this part of the novel and has made me value her more as a character.

-Morgan Mills