Antithesis between secondary characters and Dagny, Francisco, and Henry

Camille Kelleher

8/25

In Chapter VI The Non-Commercial, Ayn Rand develops separate, yet compatible, layers of themes during the Rearden’s 25^th wedding anniversary party.  Rand’s consistent flow of conversations about the Equalization of Opportunity Bill and uncaring monopolists become connected and influence the reader’s opinion of characters and their business motives. Henry Rearden’s unwillingness to attend the party for specific reasons becomes clear when the reader has to endure the uncomfortable pain and tension Henry experienced during the party.

Rand’s omniscient point of view and deliberate creative freedom while narrating this story is evident when she introduces Dr. Simon Pritchett, Balph Eubank and Bertram Scudder. While these men all have unique characteristics and opinions on society and wealthy tycoons, their similar irrelevance to the leaders who control the economy is definite. Dr. Pritchett’s pretentious implication that human reason is superstitious, Eubank’s self-contradiction and misogynist perspective of Dagny and Scudder’s denunciation of Rearden with obscure facts are all added to the story to emphasize the role of false public media and scrutiny. Rand’s comical use of Mort Liddy and Betty Pope shifts her style into satire, indirectly commenting on how worthless and unimportant their intentions are to characters like Dagny, Francisco and Henry.

Yet, as the party progressed I became suspect of Francisco’s intention of destroying Rearden Metal, along with Taggart Transcontinental. It seems like Rand is drawing a parallel between Francisco’s coalmine scandal and his new attack on the remaining companies. After this development, I questioned whether or not Pritchett, Eubank, and Scudder’s accusations gained some momentum on the consequences of monopolistic control. My opinion has wavered because when I accept the advantages of the Equalization of Opportunity Bill, I immediately consider the destructive development of “brother love” and behind door deals like that described on page 48 between four elites of the railroad industry.