Point of View

The story is told by an omniscient narrator who speaks in third-person. While the narrator focuses on Rearden and Dagny, all the characters are followed. The narrator is subjective in descriptions of characters and actions, and characters' thoughts and emotions are revealed, as well.

Setting

Atlas Shrugged takes place during an unspecified time in the second half of the twentieth century in the United States.

Language and Meaning

Atlas Shrugged uses somewhat formal language, particularly in the narrative descriptions. The dialogue is less formal. The use of more formal language throughout the novel emphasizes its philosophical nature and forces the reader to think about what he or she is reading rather than simply breezing through it. The formal language used in the dialogue helps emphasize the business-minded aspect of the story. The characters often focus on their business relationships, the fragile economy, and the government...