Excuses for Failure

On her mission to find the man who built the mysterious motor, Dagny comes across several businessmen who have failed at their careers. There seems to be a pattern among most of them; they continually make excuses for their failures and shift the blame onto a third party. The reactions these workers have to Dagny can provide insight into the general demeanor of many of the unsuccessful characters in the novel. 

When Eugene Lawson speaks to Dagny, he begins with the phrase “I am not ashamed of it” (288). His floating, irrelevant line reveals his own insecurity. Like Jim Taggart, he uses excuses of morality and charity to account for his incompetence. Lawson tries to portray himself in a ‘saintly’ light; to the point where it almost seems as if he has a messiah complex. In reality, however, he is clearly desperate to be involved with Dagny’s railroad, since he continually tells her he is not interested in working with her. His character is ironic, for the reader is aware of his real wishes when he himself does not seem to be. 

  Dagny’s second contact, Lee Hunsacker, parallels Eugene Lawson. He exclaims,  “I never had a chance!” (292). Hunsacker complains that his failure is due to other people; life has not treated him fairly. He denounces Jed Starnes, and whines that his autobiography may not even be published because he never ‘gets a chance’. Like Lawson, he seems to be an actor at heart; he is trying to convince himself of an excuse for his failure. His goal is to portray himself as a victim, but he actually comes across as a coward. Like Lawson, he craves attention. He asks Dagny, “What newspaper did you say you’re from?” (292), and is disappointed when she explains she is there for private information. Both Lawson and Hunsacker capture one of Dagny’s biggest frustrations: businessmen who are afraid to take blame for their actions.