View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Rand show James Taggart's opportunism after the success of the John Galt Line?

2. What does Francisco d'Anconia say the socialists will use to replace "the aristocracy of money"?

3. Dr. Potter of the State Science Institute threatens Rearden who pretends not to understand his threats. Why?

4. What is the symbolism of Francisco lying on the floor with his arms spread out to his sides?

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

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

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

6. 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?

7. The "Immovable Movers" in Rand's novel are the industrialists like Dagny and Rearden who produce because it is in their blood to do so. They produce for the joy of accomplishment and thus provide for the society as a whole. Rand compares them to the mythical Greek god Atlas who purportedly holds up the world on his shoulders. Explain her conclusions.

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

9. Francisco d'Anconia, heir of the d'Anconia Copper Mining empire, has developed a reputation as a playboy and a dilettante. Itemize the events in his early years with Dagny and James Taggart that are contradictory to that image.

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay on the character of Phillip Rearden. How is he unlike his brother Hank?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Why does Francisco say that it is Dagny that he has to fight? Write a paper describing his purpose in fighting her. Include examples of how difficult it is to fight Dagny.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,224 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample