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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. 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 give Rearden Metal to the government.
(b) If he did, he would have to kill Potter.
(c) If he did, he would cancel his business plans.
(d) If he did, he would take his product off the market.

2. What is the purpose of the party Lillian plans to give in three months?
(a) A fund raiser for underprivileged children.
(b) Their wedding anniversary.
(c) Their social obligation to Dagny Taggart.
(d) A celebration of Rearden metal.

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

4. 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) Lillian's social connections are destroyed.
(d) Rearden will have to comply with the government rules.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Hank Rearden's mother suggest is Phillip's qualification to work for Rearden Metal?

2. Why will Amalgamated Switch and Signal Company not complete Dagny's order for switches and signals on the Colorado line?

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

4. What does Dagny object to about the San Sebastian Line?

5. How does Rand use the marriage of James and Cherryl to make her point against social philosophy?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Briefly explain Dr. Stadler's surprise that the motor Dagny found was being developed in a remote automobile factory.

10. 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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,250 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample