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Part 1, Chapter 1 "The Theme"

• The book begins with the enigmatic question: Who is John Galt?

• Eddie Willers recalls his youth with Dagny and James Taggart.

• Eddie is now working for his former childhood friends.

• Dagny's expertise about the trains is demonstrated in her knowing what to do when the train she is riding comes to an unexpected stop.

• Amid all the financial problems with Taggart Transcontinental, the theme of Halley's Fifth Concerto indicates that the problems will grow larger.

Part 1, Chapter 2 "The Chain"

• The opening picture of Hank Rearden is that of a man enjoying the sight of his productive accomplishments.

• Rearden returns home late to endless criticism from his pseudo-socialist family.

• Rearden's proud gift of a crude bracelet made from the first pouring of Rearden Metal is ridiculed by his wife Lillian.

• Phillip gets a $10,000 donation to the charity he is raising money for but demands cash...

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