Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand evokes polarized opinions. Praised for its ambitious narrative and exploration of Objectivism, admirers find it intellectually stimulating and thought-provoking. Critics, however, contend that its characters are one-dimensional and the prose overly didactic. Overall, it's a compelling but divisive read.

Readers who enjoy Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand typically appreciate philosophical fiction exploring individualism, capitalism, and objectivism. Fans of George Orwell's 1984 and Aldous Huxley's Brave New World may also appreciate its exploration of dystopian themes and socio-economic critiques.

Set in a dystopian US gripped by a collectivist government, Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand follows protagonist Dagny Taggart as she defends her family's railway against bureaucratic interference and a national strike led by John Galt, promoting radical individualism and unregulated capitalism. The novel explores themes like morality from an objectivist perspective and the idolization of the lone genius archetype.

United States / Near-future twentieth century

Mysterious / Challenging / Inspirational / Emotional

- Atlas Shrugged was published in 1957, and despite being critically panned initially, it has since become a significantly influential work, especially among proponents of libertarian and conservative ideologies.
- Ayn Rand's work on Atlas Shrugged was highly personal, with her even composing music to accompany the book's pivotal scene for her own pleasure.
- A film adaptation of Atlas Shrugged was released as a trilogy from 2011 to 2014, with each installment having a different director and cast.

Ayn Rand

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Atlas Shrugged reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Atlas Shrugged | SuperSummary

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Overview

Rand’s fictional exploration of individualism and unregulated capitalism remains divisive. Learn why with this summary of Atlas Shrugged.

Atlas Shrugged Summary and Study Guide

Background

Get ready to explore Atlas Shrugged and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Atlas Shrugged Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Non-Contradiction”

Part 1, Chapters 1-5

Atlas Shrugged Part 1, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 6-10

Atlas Shrugged Part 1, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Either – Or”

Part 2, Chapters 1-5

Atlas Shrugged Part 2, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 6-10

Atlas Shrugged Part 2, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “A Is A”

Part 3, Chapters 1-5

Atlas Shrugged Part 3, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 6-10

Atlas Shrugged Part 3, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Atlas Shrugged Character Analysis

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Themes

Atlas Shrugged Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Atlas Shrugged Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Atlas Shrugged Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Atlas Shrugged Essay Topics

Atlas Shrugged

Before You Read

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Who Should Read Atlas Shrugged?

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Book Details