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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. Why does Phillip want cash instead of a check for Rearden's contribution to Friends of Global Progress?
(a) Friends for Global Progress does not accept checks.
(b) He doesn't want them to know that the money came from his capitalist brother.
(c) He wants to pocket half of the cash.
(d) He thinks Rearden's check is no good.

2. What is the meaning of "Wyatt's torch"?
(a) Wyatt's lighting after his electricity has been shut off.
(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 new flashlight invention.

3. How does Rand indicate that Wesley Mouch, Rearden's Washington lobbyist, may not be working in Rearden's interest?
(a) He cannot get in to see the President of the United States.
(b) He is at a meeting with Orren Boyle, James Taggart, and Paul Larkin.
(c) He is at a meeting with Dagny and Owen Kellogg.
(d) He never goes to his office in Washington.

4. How does the government plan to conserve copper and electricity?
(a) Limiting elevators from going higher than the 25th floor of a building.
(b) Using zinc and wind power.
(c) Recalling all the copper shipped before d'Anconia ships were sunk.
(d) Melting down pennies and ordering blackouts.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Rand use the party to show the superficiality of the communist guests?

2. How does the organization, Friends of Global Progress, view Rearden Steel?

3. Who is the childhood friend of Jim and Dagny who now works for them?

4. At home and in despair, what music is Dagny listening to when she puts down her head and cries?

5. Where does Dagny plan to start the first run of the John Galt Line?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Lillian demands the Rearden Metal bracelet back and threatens to tell everyone that Dagny is sleeping with her husband. What is the irony of that situation?

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

5. 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.

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

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

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

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

10. 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.

(see the answer keys)

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