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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How old was Francisco when he took over d'Anconia Copper Mines?
(a) Twenty-three
(b) Sixteen
(c) Twenty-seven
(d) Thirty-one

2. What is the irony of the State Science Institute's demand for 10,000 tons of Rearden Metal?
(a) It was trying to restart the economy by keeping Rearden in business.
(b) It needed the metal because it had effectively cut off steel production.
(c) It had once tried to discredit Rearden Metal.
(d) It showed that the Institute had always supported Rearden.

3. James and Cherryl begin their unlikely romance. Where does James meet her?
(a) In a dime store.
(b) Friends introduce them.
(c) At the train station.
(d) At a cocktail party.

4. When Dagny stops at a newsstand buy cigarettes, what is the last thing the vendor says to her?
(a) Oh well, you need to stop smoking anyway.
(b) Oh well, who is John Galt?
(c) Oh well, next time I'll save you a paper.
(d) Oh well, we'll have your cigarettes tomorrow.

5. What was Francisco's nickname for Dagny when they were children?
(a) Daggy
(b) Pest
(c) Mouse
(d) Slug

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Rand mean by the title, "White Blackmail"?

2. What did the National Alliance of Railroads pass to eliminate competition?

3. Dr. Stadler talks about having known John Galt who he believes is dead. What is his recollection of Galt?

4. What sarcastic comment does Dagny make to James Taggart and Wesley Mouch?

5. How does Lillian describe the bracelet?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. At first, Hank Rearden dislikes Francisco d'Anconia. Explain his reasons.

3. 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?

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

5. When Cherryl confronts Dagny and says that she is now Mrs. Taggart, the woman of the family, Dagny replies, "That's quite all right. I'm the man." Explain what she means by that comment.

6. How does the scene of the broken furnace give Hank insight into Francisco's real character?

7. Explain the significance of the mysterious Halley's Fifth Concerto in developing the novel.

8. How does the Twentieth Century Motor Company demonstrate the results of the communistic idea of "from each according to his ability, to each according to his need"?

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

10. Discuss the significance of the turnout of Taggart employees and the armed guards every mile along the initial John Galt Line train.

(see the answer keys)

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