Atlas Shrugged Chapter Summary & Analysis - Part 1, Chapter 3 "The Top and The Bottom" Summary

Part 1, Chapter 3 "The Top and The Bottom" Summary

Four men sit in a dark bar on top a New York skyscraper, their voices low. Orren Boyle whines to James Taggart that he needs a chance to produce the rail. He cannot get iron ore. Paul Larkin says that the ore industry is crumbling, killing the mining equipment business. Boyle thinks that every business depends on every other business, and so all burdens should be shared. Wesley Mouch replies, "That is, I think, true." Mouch is Hank Rearden's Washington lobbyist. Orren Boyle wants to preserve free economy by using private property for public service. Boyle resembles a pig with small black slits for eyes. He says that Rearden Metal is a swindle. No expert has given a favorable report on it. Using lighter rails for his heavy-duty, high-speed main-line track is inviting disaster. James says that it is his sister's decision.

Boyle states that the National Council of Metal...
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