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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. What is the real outcome after the court fines Rearden $5,000 and gives him a suspended sentence?
(a) In effect, he has won against the government.
(b) Other industrialists will go out of business.
(c) Rearden will have to comply with the government rules.
(d) Lillian's social connections are destroyed.

2. Who is the childhood friend of Jim and Dagny who now works for them?
(a) James Ellis Wyatt
(b) Hank Rearden
(c) John Galt
(d) Eddie Willers

3. At home and in despair, what music is Dagny listening to when she puts down her head and cries?
(a) Tchaikovski's Symphony Pathetique
(b) Cry Me a River
(c) Halley's Fourth Concerto
(d) Halley's opera,

4. Why do Hank and Dagny try to find the old Twentieth Century Motor company?
(a) They are looking for scrap iron.
(b) The are looking for usable parts for diesel engines.
(c) They are looking for new headquarters for Rearden Metal.
(d) They are looking for a new car.

5. What is the image Francisco d'Anconia has in the public eye?
(a) He is planning to run for President.
(b) He is a worthless playboy.
(c) He is the diamond king.
(d) He is a noted philanthropist.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is so unusual about the cigarette Dagny gets from Dr. Hugh Akston?

2. What is the purpose of the party Lillian plans to give in three months?

3. How does Dr. Ferris explain to Rearden the many laws that are being passed by the State?

4. How does the government plan to conserve copper and electricity?

5. What strange exchange occurs between Dagny and Lillian at he party?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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.

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

4. Write a few paragraphs on why Hank Rearden does not mind supporting his idle family but refuses to give Phillip a job he is not qualified to handle.

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

6. What is the significance of "the best hamburger" Dagny has ever tasted when she goes to the diner in Wyoming?

7. 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.

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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