View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. A theme that runs throughout ATLAS SHRUGGED is one which shows strength and character outside but emptiness and moral corruption inside. What metaphor does Ayn Rand use to illustrate this idea?
(a) The old oak tree that was struck by lightning.
(b) The flaws in Rearden steel.
(c) The engine of a Taggart train.
(d) The deteriorization of New York City.

2. How does the organization, Friends of Global Progress, view Rearden Steel?
(a) That it is an indignificant business that will likely fail.
(b) That Rearden Steel will be its largest contributor.
(c) That Rearden represents the blackest element of social retrogression in the country.
(d) That Rearden Steel will one day belong to them.

3. Why do Hank and Dagny try to find the old Twentieth Century Motor company?
(a) They are looking for scrap iron.
(b) The are looking for usable parts for diesel engines.
(c) They are looking for a new car.
(d) They are looking for new headquarters for Rearden Metal.

4. How does Lillian describe the bracelet?
(a) As an early anniversary present from Hank.
(b) As the only gift Hank has ever given her.
(c) Something made from the same thing as railroad rails and soup kettles.
(d) As a unique piece of jewelry that everyone in New York will envy.

5. What news does James Taggart receive that Dagny had predicted?
(a) The Mexican line is out of coal and must burn wood to run the trains.
(b) The US government is nationalizing all industry.
(c) The Mexican Government has nationalized the San Sebastian Mine and the Taggart railroad line
(d) Rearden refusus to supply metal for any railroad rails.

Short Answer Questions

1. At the Thanksgiving dinner, why does Lillian urge Hank not to fight the lawsuit?

2. What does Hank Rearden's mother suggest is Phillip's qualification to work for Rearden Metal?

3. What is the image Francisco d'Anconia has in the public eye?

4. How does the government plan to conserve copper and electricity?

5. What caused Francisco's ancestor out of Spain to Argentina where he became wealthy as a copper miner?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the chapter Rand calls "Account Overdrawn," how does the author picture the results of the socialist government's regulations?

2. Explain the conflict within Francisco when he discovers that Rearden had ordered copper from his mines in Argentina.

3. The title of the chapter, "The Exploiters and the Exploited" might suggest that the industrialists like Hank Rearden exploit the public by creating products for their own personal gratification. Rand, however, turns that around to suggest that the socialist government are exploiting the industrialists. Support that idea.

4. What is the significance of "the best hamburger" Dagny has ever tasted when she goes to the diner in Wyoming?

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. At first, Hank Rearden dislikes Francisco d'Anconia. Explain his reasons.

8. Explain the symbolism of the Twentieth Century Motor Company as Dagny and Hank find it.

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

10. How does the scene of the broken furnace give Hank insight into Francisco's real character?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,337 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample