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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What happened to the Sanford house after it was completed?
(a) Mrs. Sanford refused to live in it.
(b) It became the standard for all other new homes.
(c) Mrs. Sanford changed it to look like other houses.
(d) It got high praise from the Architect's Guild of America.

2. Why does Roark find himself unable to get a job?
(a) He is supported by Gordon Prescott, a hated journalist.
(b) He is seen as a lacky for Francon and Heyer.
(c) His performance at school was too exceptional.
(d) He has a public reputation for failure.

3. Why does Cameron fire Roark?
(a) Roark is insubordinate.
(b) He believes that working for him will harm Roark's career.
(c) Roark's work is sub-standard.
(d) The other draftsmen do not like Roark.

4. Where does Peter finally get to meet Dominique?
(a) At a rally where Ellsworth Toohey is speaking
(b) In her father's office
(c) At a party given by Kiki Holcombe
(d) At the opening of his latest building

5. Why does Peter want Roark to abandon his plan to open his own firm?
(a) Peter thinks Roark will no longer have time to help him with his designs.
(b) Peter really wants to be partners with Roark.
(c) Peter knows the value of Roark's work and fears the competition.
(d) Peter knows that Roark will fail and wants to save him.

Short Answer Questions

1. What comment does Roark make to Dominique about his work in the Quarry?

2. What did Toohey think was a "cosmic joke?"

3. What happens when Roark shows up uninvited at Dominique's door?

4. What spoils Peter's joy at winning the "most beautiful building" contest?

5. What is Lois Cook's criteria for her new house?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss Dominique's idea that beautiful things should not exist in the real world.

2. Even after Dominique gives testimony that should have swayed the jury, Stoddard wins the lawsuit. Gail Wynand cables the "Banner" to fire Dominique. What is the significance of Dominique's reaction to being fired?

3. Identify and explain two events from Toohey's childhood which began a pattern of behavior he uses in adulthood.

4. What is meant by the description of the Stoddard temple as being "like a corpse hacked to pieces and reassembled?"

5. How do the conflicting passions of Roark and Dominique result in an act of violence?

6. When Roark refuses to design a building according to Francon's specifications, he is fired. When he goes to see Gordon Prescott who wrote an article about giving young architects a chance, he is rebuffed. How do these events help to develop the theme of integrity?

7. In what way does Mrs. Keating represent all the obstacles Roark will have to face to be true to himself?

8. Discuss how Rand accuses critics of distorting reality when Peter finally meets Toohey.

9. Both Dominique and Toohey want to destroy Roark's career. Contrast their reasons for wanting to do so.

10. At the beginning of the novel, Howard Roark stands naked on a granite cliff preparing to dive into the waves below. Describe how this scene sets the stage for the entire novel.

(see the answer keys)

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