Atlas Shrugged Test | Mid-Book Test - Hard

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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why are the guests at the party so eager to discuss the capture of Ragnar Danneskjtzld?

2. What decision does Dagny make when she is nine years old?

3. Dr. Potter of the State Science Institute threatens Rearden who pretends not to understand his threats. Why?

4. What is the irony of the State Science Institute's demand for 10,000 tons of Rearden Metal?

5. How does Rand use the party to show the superficiality of the communist guests?

Short Essay Questions

1. The title of the chapter, "The Exploiters and the Exploited" might suggest that the industrialists like Hank Rearden exploit the public by creating products for their own personal gratification. Rand, however, turns that around to suggest that the socialist government are exploiting the industrialists. Support that idea.

2. In the chapter Rand calls "Account Overdrawn," how does the author picture the results of the socialist government's regulations?

3. Explain the symbolism of Lillian's taking Dagny's diamond bracelet in exchange for the Rearden Metal chain.

4. Describe the meaning and the purpose of "white blackmail."

5. Explain how the mystery of Eddie Willers' unnamed friend in the cafeteria and the shadowy man Dagny sees outside her office add to the suspense of the novel.

6. Why is the idea of "motive" so important in the novel? Explain in detail.

7. When an agreement is reached that closes the John Galt Line and the Rio Norte Line, what does Francisco mean when he asks Dagny if they had murdered John Galt?

8. Lillian demands the Rearden Metal bracelet back and threatens to tell everyone that Dagny is sleeping with her husband. What is the irony of that situation?

9. Discuss the different views from "the top" and "the bottom."

10. Discuss the significance of the names Rand gives to the businesses in ATLAS SHRUGGED.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In a short essay explain how Francisco goes about portraying himself as a worthless playboy. Use specific examples.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about Nathaniel Taggart, the founder of the Taggart Transcontinental.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay explaining your personal feelings about the socialist government in ATLAS SHRUGGED.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,149 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample