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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 is so unusual about the cigarette Dagny gets from Dr. Hugh Akston?

2. What is Dagny's amazing discovery at Twentieth Century Motors?

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

4. What news does James Taggart receive that Dagny had predicted?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the significance of the turnout of Taggart employees and the armed guards every mile along the initial John Galt Line train.

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

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

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

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

Write an essay about influence peddling. Refer to Cuffy Meigs sending train cars to Louisiana to pick up worthless soy beans while the grain crops in Minesota rot for lack of trasportation.

Do you think we see some influence peddling in our government today?

(see the answer keys)

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