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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. What does Toohey write in his column about the Enright house?

3. Why is Roark expelled from the Architectural School of the Stanton Institute of Technology?

4. When Peter hears that Toohey has been shot, what is his first concern?

5. Why does Dominique agree to testify against Roark when he is sued by Stoddard?

Short Essay Questions

1. As Cameron becomes ill and gives up, Roark continues to think for himself. At the same time, Ellsworth Toohey is gaining a larger following for his idea of collectivity versus individualism. How does this foreshadow the struggles that Roark will face?

2. Peter's lack of integrity comes to light in his efforts to get Claude Stengel's job. How does the method he uses to accomplish his purpose relate to the theme of the book?

3. 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?

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

5. In 1892, Henry Cameron was the most promising architect of his day, having introduced the idea of the skyscraper. One year later, the popular classical designs of the Columbian Exposition of Chicago ruined Cameron's career. How does Ayn Rand use this to introduce the ideas of individualism versus socialistic dogma?

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

7. 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?

8. Considering the number of jobs Roark did not get or turned down, explain the difference between Roark and Peter Keating.

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

10. Dominique and Roark meet as strangers without names. Like the moth to the flame, Dominique is drawn back again and again to watch Roark at the quarry. Discuss the significance of Roark's domination of Dominique.

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

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

Essay Topic 3

As the book opens, Roark is poised to dive into the ocean. He is alone on a granite cliff and looking down at the crashing waves below. What is feelings can be derived from that picture about (A) Roark, (B) the granite cliffs, (C) the water below. Describe what each of those elements means to you.

(see the answer keys)

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