Atlas Shrugged is a novel by author and philosopher Ayn Rand that was first published in 1957. Her longest and most elaborate novel as well as her final fictional work, it is considered Rand’s crowning achievement as a fiction writer. In the novel, she traces the lives of several individuals who are involved in big business in the United States, exalting their will to succeed and their self-centered egoism. Atlas Shrugged fleshes out the philosophy of Objectivism that Rand had been developing throughout her life.

Characters

See a complete list of the characters in Atlas Shrugged and in-depth analyses of John Galt, Dagny Taggart, James (Jim) Taggart, Hank Rearden, and Francisco d’Anconia.

Literary Devices

Here is where you will find analysis of the key themes, motifs, and symbols in Atlas Shrugged.

Quotes

Find the quotes you need to support your essay, or refresh your memory of Atlas Shrugged.

Deeper Study

Go further in your study of Atlas Shrugged by reading background information about Ayn Rand and her novel as well as mini essays on key topics.