An Atlas Shrugged essay is based on the novel with the same name written by Ayn Rand. The novel explores a strike in the United States where the best brains and artists revolt against the dictatorial rule of the government. Dagny Taggart, a powerful railroad executive, is the protagonist in the novel who watches the revolt unfold as the most influential people led by John Galt move out of the limelight. The withdrawn effort of these creative minds is aimed at striking a telling blow on government plans by stopping the wheels of progress. Profit is what drives people. When all these people strike work, a situation of panic and collapse is created.
In this essay, you do not have to look for essay essays, as the novel would provide you all the topics you need from within the storyline. In fact, the Ayn Rand Institute organizes the Atlas Shrugged essay contest, which is open to 12th graders and college students, worldwide. In 2009, some of the topics included writing about a character in the novel, Hank Rearden, and his philosophy to personal life and business; how the heroes want to make money, while the villains want to have money; and a comparison and contrast of how different characters approach life and basic motivation. Essay writers from across the world have tremendous scope to express their viewpoints and win prizes at different stages of the competition.
Atlas, who held the world on his shoulders, is symbolic in the novel. Francisco d’Anconia is asked about what sort of advice one should give to Atlas. The brains who run industry keep the economy rolling. Francisco’s answer that he would want Atlas “to shrug” summarizes the effect these influential people can have by striking. Ayn Rand expresses her philosophy of objectivity where an objective reason and purpose is warranted for every action committed. Unlike custom essays, it is very easy to identify with the characters of the story. If you were to refer to an essay sample based on the characters, it would make interesting reading, even if you did not read the whole novel.
To understand the objectivity used, you need to ask the appropriate essay questions on any situation or character in the novel. Apply your mind and ponder over the question that arises. Several ideas would crop up in your minds. Use those that make sense to you and ignore the rest. You need to understand that philosophy is involved here. For example, at some stage, a speech extending to 60 pages seems very necessary in the context of the novel. Intrigue and suspense is built up quite naturally, and you can relate to the characters that fit into the storyline quite easily.
When people do not have the right to decide their own fate, revolution seems a logical solution. Students of philosophy would be able to appreciate the novel. It is left to readers to think for themselves. They can love or hate the novel but none can ignore it. Though difficult to digest the interpretation of the philosophy used, it is better than just shallow talk revolving around theory. Your Atlas Shrugged essay could therefore have the boldest viewpoint possible and still appeal to a large audience.
