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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 is almost single handedly responsible for opening up trade in Colorado?
(a) Hank Rearden
(b) Ellis Wyatt
(c) Jim Taggart
(d) Paul Larkin

2. What is Ayn Rand's objection to majority rule as put forth by the National Alliance of Railroads?
(a) It is not a true socialist idea.
(b) It does not go far enough to protect everyone.
(c) It can be used to stifle competition, capitalism, and individualism.
(d) It puts decision making in the hands of uneducted people.

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

4. Dr. Potter of the State Science Institute threatens Rearden who pretends not to understand his threats. Why?
(a) If he did, he would have to kill Potter.
(b) If he did, he would have to give Rearden Metal to the government.
(c) If he did, he would take his product off the market.
(d) If he did, he would cancel his business plans.

5. What show of support does Dagny get from employees of Taggart Transcontinental?
(a) They all buy stock in the John Galt Line.
(b) They vote her in as President of Taggart Transcontinental.
(c) They give a banquet in her honor.
(d) They line the route with guns to protect the train.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Dagny stops at a newsstand buy cigarettes, what is the last thing the vendor says to her?

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

3. Rand uses the failure of Twentieth Century Motors to make what point about socialism?

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

5. How does Lillian describe the bracelet?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

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

7. Describe the meaning and the purpose of "white blackmail."

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

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

10. Using the example of the Anti-Dog-Eat-Dog rule, explain in a few paragraphs how eliminating competition by legislation destroys productivity.

(see the answer keys)

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