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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. When Dominique reveals that Toohey got Roark the job of building the temple to destroy him, what is Roark's reaction?

2. Why does Roark hire Mallory to make the sculpture for the temple he is building?

3. Why is it difficult for Peter Keating to decide what to do after graduation?

4. What does Jimmy Gowans want Roark to design and build for him?

5. What does Toohey say about himself that other people think he is joking about?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Discuss the significance of Peter's intimidation by Lois Cook.

3. 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.

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

5. Explain how Roark's getting his hands dirty at a building site wins over the admiration of the electrician, Mike.

6. Contrast the difference between Roark and Peter as they attend Kiki Holcombe's party.

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

8. Describe the character flaws in Peter Keating in regard to both Heyer's death and his winning the Cosmo-Slotnik competition.

9. Discuss Rand's use of premonition in chapter 12 when Katie shows up at Peter's apartment.

10. Ellsworth Toohey praises Francon's Melton Building because of its horizontal lines as opposed to the vertical lines of Cameron's skyscrapers. In what way does he think the horizontal lines are superior?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Peter gives up the art career he really wants after graduation to do what his mother wants him to do. Mallory will even attempt murder in defense of his art. Write an essay about the differences between the two men. Explain which one you like better and why?

Essay Topic 2

In no less than two handwritten pages, discuss the character of Dominique and why Francon thinks he failed her as a father.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay that explains the fall of Peter Keating and the reasons for that fall.

(see the answer keys)

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