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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. Why do Roark and the electrician, Mike, become great friends?

2. What happens to the temple that is now a home for "subnormal children"?

3. Where does Peter finally get to meet Dominique?

4. Why does Henry Cameron retire?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

7. 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.

8. 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?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In two or three handwritten pages, discuss Mrs. Keating as a mother. When she was hurrying Roark out of her rooming house to see the Dean, Rand writes that it was "as though she feared the decision [to expel Roark from Stanton] might be reversed." Why would she fear that? What does that tell you (1) about her character, and (2) what she really thought about Peter's ability?

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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