Atlas Shrugged takes place during an unknown future time in America, and starts in a decayed New York City with images similar to what we might imagine the world to look like after World War Three. The book is split into three major parts, each with ten chapters. According to Robert James Bidinotto author of Plot Synopsis, "the three parts of the book are each named in tribute to Aristotle's Laws of Logic: Non-Contradiction, Either Or, and A is A. Part one confronts two prominent business executives, Dagny Taggart and Hank Rearden, and the reader with a host of seeming contradictions and paradoxes with no logical solutions" (Atlas Society), which is evident in the main story line as Dagny struggles to understand the reason behind the collapse of the railroad in industrial civilization. With a steady decline of a rail road system, and industry - capitalism is prevalent among those fortunate enough to thrive in a struggling economy. Hank Rearden owner of Rearden Metal, an alloy stronger than steel, has a monopoly in the industry. Hank's monopoly causes a reaction in the government who places restrictions, and excessive tax on thriving businesses. Intelligent, competent, free thinking men disappear leaving it difficult to fill their positions, in Dagny's words the brains of the world. The question "Who is John Galt" is where the answer to the mystery of the movie lies.
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