Hank Rearden's Conflict with his Family

From the beginning of Chapter 2, Hank Rearden becomes the center of attention. After giving the reader the information that Rearden Steel will be supplying the metal to Taggart Transcontinental, Rand provides the reader with some background information on Rearden, which later portrays the conflict with his family.

Rearden looks back into the past when he overlooks the mills and factories he owns for his steel production. He remembers what got him there and the hard work that allowed him to have such wealth. I felt proud for him after understanding that he felt passion for his job and since the age of 14, he's been fighting pain and getting over obstacles that allowed him to be the man he is today. 

Unfortunately for Rearden, all his hard work only brought him money and power in the steel industry, however, did not give him the support of his family or much of their love. After witnessing the comments he receives after getting home from work I felt sorry for him. His mom's comments consisted entirely of negative remarks. She even says that he doesn't think about anyone except himself. Has she realized that she is living in her son's house under his money? In addition, Rearden's brother and Lillian, whom both live under Rearden's wealth, barely ever thank him or provide positive remarks.

After a long day at work, a hardworking wealthy man that has passion for his job does not deserve to walk into his own house and be treated like that. All he wants is to help. yes, sometimes, due to his job he is busy and cannot provide his full attention to family concerns, however, if the family is not satisfied with Rearden's way of living, the way they addressed him when he got home won't change anything.