When Hank Rearden was first introduced to the novel, I did not see the apparent similarities he shares with Dagny Taggart. Now that I have read further into the story and have a better perception of both characters, I've realized how alike they really are. While Dagny is a strong, independent woman and Hank is a not-quite-as-strong man who represents individualism, both characters share many of the same values and perspectives on business ethics. They appreciate the importance of industrial innovation and working earnestly toward their goals, and no matter the negativity they receive for their beliefs, they continue to strive for success.
Once they begin their love affair, Rearden seems to be ashamed of his actions, feeling as if he gave in to his physical desires, which he views as a weakness, and Dagny views their act of love as empowering, due to the fact that they share many of the same values and respects. When Dagny and Rearden travel around the country to look for no longer used machinery that they can use to their advantage, they discover an invention that neither of them could ever dream of.
They both understand that an invention of this magnitude could have huge implications for the future, and, by thinking in the same manner, they demonstrate how alike they are yet again. Dagny and Hank are two of few producers left in a world full of looters. They appear to be some of the only couple of people left in the world who really care about moving forward and embracing industrialization. At this point in the novel, industry is declining, as the producers of the world continue to slowly disappear.
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