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

2. Atlas is the Greek god who holds the world on his shoulders. In the novel, who is "Atlas"?

3. How did the Sternes say they tried to run Twentieth Century Motors?

4. What decision does Dagny make when she is nine years old?

5. What is "the chain"?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

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

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

5. 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.

6. 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"?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

ATLAS SHRUGGED was written about 1957. In the story, all of the major governments on earth have become socialistic. Write an essay describing what New York City looked like at that time.

Essay Topic 2

Pretend you are a book reviewer for your local paper. Write a short review of ATLAS SHRUGGED saying why you would or would not recommend it.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about the names of characters and businesses Ayn Rand uses in ATLAS SHRUGGED.

(see the answer keys)

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