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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does "the chain" represent to Henry Rearden?

2. What is Rearden's suggestion to Dagny about giving in to the state?

3. What is Mouch's new job after he resigns as Rearden's Washington lobbyist?

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

5. Based on what she knows at the moment, what conclusion does Dagny draw about the disappearance of men like Wyatt?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Dagny sees Hank Rearden as a "man who belongs on earth." Explain why.

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

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

6. 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?

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

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

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

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay explaining your personal feelings about the socialist government in ATLAS SHRUGGED.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay describing Dagny as a true feminist, years ahead of her time.

Essay Topic 3

Do an indepth character study of Ragnar Danneskjtzld the pirate who hates violence but does so much destruction in the novel. Is there some significance to his coloring? What is his only religious tenet that he holds to?

(see the answer keys)

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