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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 does Rand mean by the title, "White Blackmail"?
(a) Not really blackmail at all.
(b) Little white lies to get around the laws.
(c) A way of manipulating people by passing aws and regulations that the influence peddlers want broken.
(d) A way of getting people to obey the laws and cooperate with the government.

2. What does Rearden say the government needed to win against him.
(a) His account books.
(b) His civil rights.
(c) His denial of any wrong doing.
(d) His cooperation.

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

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

5. What does Francisco d'Anconia say the socialists will use to replace "the aristocracy of money"?
(a) The aristocracy of everyone
(b) The commonality of all men
(c) The aristocracy of influence.
(d) The destruction of all aristocracy

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Dagny's reaction to Eugene Lawson's claim that his motives were pure at Twentieth Century Motors because he never made a profit?

2. Quentin Daniels is hired to reconstruct the revolutionary motor. What is Quentin's greatest desire.

3. What is the image Francisco d'Anconia has in the public eye?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Rand introduces "Wyatt's Torch" as Dagny returns on the train to Wyatt Junction. What does the term suggest?

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

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

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

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

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

8. The title of the chapter, "The Exploiters and the Exploited" might suggest that the industrialists like Hank Rearden exploit the public by creating products for their own personal gratification. Rand, however, turns that around to suggest that the socialist government are exploiting the industrialists. Support that idea.

9. 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"?

10. 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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,300 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample