If it's a feeble joke, then you're in good company. Ayn Rand herself named the group of intellectuals who crowded around her as "The Collective". She meant it as just that kind of joke.
And then when her concept of reality, with it’s duties and obligations to others kicked in, and she “chickened out”, I nearly threw the book across the room! I felt utter disgust and disappointment with her.
Had she joined ths strikers at that point, Rand would not have needed another eight chapters for the remainder of the plot. That might have made a shorter book, but not necessarily a better one, at this point. There are some fascinating developments coming, and Dagny needs to be in New York to push the plot along. But, yes, Dagny is so damned stubborn sometimes you just want to turn her on your knee and spank her -- which she probably would have enjoyed.
; )
Oh, I know that,Pub, but as a woman I often get emotionally invested in whatever fiction I'm reading and Dag's behavior so far has been exasperating! Full disclosure: I also yell at the tv quite frequently.
Correct on both counts. She's definitely got her kink on.