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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 Owen Kellogg's reply to Dagny when she asks him why he is resigning from Taggert Railway?
(a) Who is John Galt?
(b) You can't pay me what I'm worth.
(c) Railroads are a thing of the past.
(d) I'm going into business for myself.

2. What does Hank Rearden's mother suggest is Phillip's qualification to work for Rearden Metal?
(a) He holds an engineering degree.
(b) He has the social skills that Hank lacks.
(c) He could get a job anywhere but wants to help his brother.
(d) He is Hank's brother.

3. What is so unusual about the cigarette Dagny gets from Dr. Hugh Akston?
(a) It is marked with a gold dollar sign.
(b) It is rolled in colored paper.
(c) It is made of unusual tobacco.
(d) It cannot be lit.

4. What does "the chain" represent to Henry Rearden?
(a) The only thing that will ever come of Rearden metal.
(b) The close link he has to his mother.
(c) All his accomplishments after years of hard work.
(d) The demands made on him by an ungrateful family.

5. How did the Sternes say they tried to run Twentieth Century Motors?
(a) From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.
(b) Imposing great penalties on those who made mistakes.
(c) Never criticizing anyone for a mistake or cost overrun.
(d) By paying the best salaries in the industry.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Phillip want cash instead of a check for Rearden's contribution to Friends of Global Progress?

2. What show of support does Dagny get from employees of Taggart Transcontinental?

3. Atlas is the Greek god who holds the world on his shoulders. In the novel, who is "Atlas"?

4. What is the symbolism of Francisco lying on the floor with his arms spread out to his sides?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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.

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

4. Describe how the chain is viewed by Henry Rearden, Lillian Rearden, and Dagny Taggart. Explain its significance to the story.

5. 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.

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

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

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

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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