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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 prevents Taggart Transcontinental from meeting Rearden's deadline for delivering steel?

2. What is the purpose of the party Lillian plans to give in three months?

3. When Dr. Stadler questions why the man who was developing the revolutionary motor was working in a factory research lab, what is Dagny's reply?

4. What is the meaning of "Wyatt's torch"?

5. What is the result of the government's decision to divert coal to the People's Republic of England?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 about Nathaniel Taggart, the founder of the Taggart Transcontinental.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,141 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample