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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. Who offers to help Dagny solve the problem of the rotting wooden bridge on her Colorado line?
(a) Claude Slagenhop
(b) Francisco d'Anconia
(c) Phillip Rearden
(d) Hank Rearden

2. What is the meaning of "Wyatt's torch"?
(a) What is left after Wyatt's destruction of his oil fields.
(b) Wyatt's new flashlight invention.
(c) Wyatt's threat to destroy the economy by setting fire to Washington.
(d) Wyatt's lighting after his electricity has been shut off.

3. When a reporter asks Dagny, "Who is John Galt?" what is her answer?
(a) An advertising gimmick.
(b) Who cares?
(c) I'll never tell.
(d) We are.

4. Rand uses the failure of Twentieth Century Motors to make what point about socialism?
(a) Production increases when everyone shares in the work.
(b) The socialist system only takes from those with ability and gives to others who are less deserving.
(c) It is only fair that everyone make the same salary.
(d) The socialist system allows the greatest minds to get ahead.

5. How does Rand show James Taggart's opportunism after the success of the John Galt Line?
(a) He decides to build a new line of his own.
(b) He buys more stock in the John Galt Line.
(c) He takes credit for its success.
(d) He gives Dagny credit for saving the company.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What is the "Fifth Concerto"?

3. Why does Dagny take a leave of absence from her job as Vice President of Operations at Taggart Transcontinental?

4. When Dagny demands to be made Vice President in Charge of Operations, what reason does Jim give her for opposing the idea?

5. How does Lillian describe the bracelet?

Short Essay Questions

1. The "Immovable Movers" in Rand's novel are the industrialists like Dagny and Rearden who produce because it is in their blood to do so. They produce for the joy of accomplishment and thus provide for the society as a whole. Rand compares them to the mythical Greek god Atlas who purportedly holds up the world on his shoulders. Explain her conclusions.

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

3. Francisco engineers a huge financial fraud on the Mexican government and greedy shareholders like James Taggart and Orren Boyle. Then he asks Dagny, "Who is John Galt?" How does Rand use his character to build suspense?

4. Explain the conflict within Francisco when he discovers that Rearden had ordered copper from his mines in Argentina.

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

6. Dagny sees Hank Rearden as a "man who belongs on earth." Explain why.

7. At his trial, Hank Rearden refuses to give the government the "sanction of the victim." Explain what he means.

8. 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.

9. 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?

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

(see the answer keys)

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