The Evolution of Hank and Dagny's Relationship

Throughout this section of the reading, the most obvious phenomena has been the evolution of Dagny and Hank's relationship. In the beginning of the novel, Rand explicitly parallels one another through their perspectives of work. The two both work out of pure intrinsic motivation (unlike many other characters in the novel so far). These simple characterizations immediately isolated the two in my mind. Their relationship (in his section) starts at the wedding anniversary, which Lillian Rearden throws. Rand explicitly shows the disconnect between Lillian and Hank on page 149, when Dagny swaps bracelets with Lillian. Dagny understands how much that bracelet meant to Hank and how much value is truthfully present in it, whereas Lillian saw it as trivial and "hideous." This part of the reading is crucial to their relationship, as it sets the tone for how Hank and Dagny will connect later in the reading.

The development of their relationship continues when Dagny decides to start working on the John Galt Line. Rearden and her work tirelessly on the project. Through these events, the two draw closer emotionally, mainly due to how much they connect to one another. The two share qualities mainly surrounded by working hard and commitment toward what their overall goals are in life.

I have been very fond of their relationship from the beginning of the novel. Like I said above, the two seemed very similar in my eyes from the start of the book. I am very eager to see how the rest of their relationship unfolds, and how Lillian will play into the whole thing.