Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies.

Atlas Shrugged as a Romantic Novel

A 60 minute YouTube publication from Jan 01, 2020 by Ben Bayer

YouTube, 2020

Duration 60 mins

Notes none

Primary language: English

Details

Ayn Rand described Romanticism as "a category of art based on the recognition of the principle that man possesses the faculty of volition." In this session, we discuss how her novel "Atlas Shrugged" fits into this category. Drawing on the framework Rand establishes in her essay "What Is Romanticism?," we explore how the major conflicts in the plot of "Atlas Shrugged" express Rand's commitment to the premise of volition in man's existential action, and how the major value-conflicts faced by central characters in the novel express the same commitment in regard to man's consciousness. We also highlight the importance of each of these features of Rand's Romanticism and how they contribute to the enjoyment of the novel.

Publisher
not applicable

Associated Presentations