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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. What is the surprising question Francisco poses to Dagny at the wedding reception?

2. Who is planning to build diesel engines for Taggart Transcontinental?

3. How does Lillian describe the bracelet?

4. Who offers to help Dagny solve the problem of the rotting wooden bridge on her Colorado line?

5. What does Rearden say the government needed to win against him.

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the symbolism of the Twentieth Century Motor Company as Dagny and Hank find it.

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

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

4. Francisco d'Anconia, heir of the d'Anconia Copper Mining empire, has developed a reputation as a playboy and a dilettante. Itemize the events in his early years with Dagny and James Taggart that are contradictory to that image.

5. As James Taggart and Dagny discuss plans for Taggart Transcontinental, James' attitude sets the stage for the real conflict in ATLAS SHRUGGED. Explain.

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

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

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

9. 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?

10. Using the example of the Anti-Dog-Eat-Dog rule, explain in a few paragraphs how eliminating competition by legislation destroys productivity.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write about Ellis Wyatt the first time he meets Dagny. Describe him as a businessman.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay describing Dagny as a true feminist, years ahead of her time.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,083 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample