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. Who is the childhood friend of Jim and Dagny who now works for them?
(a) Hank Rearden
(b) Eddie Willers
(c) James Ellis Wyatt
(d) John Galt

2. Why is James Taggart marrying Cherryl Brooks, the dime store clerk?
(a) To show that he helps the underpriviliged
(b) To find real happiness
(c) To prove that communism will not work
(d) To make an honest woman out of her because he got her pregnant

3. Because of the Equity of Distribution Law, there is now a Deputy Director of Distribution handling all of Rearden Metal's orders. What is his nickname?
(a) The Wet Nurse
(b) D-three
(c) The Enforcer
(d) The Terminator

4. What is Dagny's reply to Cherryl's comment that she is "the woman in the Taggart family"?
(a) You're welcome to the job.
(b) What am I? Chopped liver?
(c) That's quiet all right. I'm the man.
(d) Don't tell my dress maker.

5. How does Rand use the party to show the superficiality of the communist guests?
(a) They are all dressed in their finest and wearing flashy jewelry.
(b) They have not invited any rich industrialists to the party.
(c) They pretend to favor defeat for the the Equalization of Opportunity Bill.
(d) They prefer not to talk about politics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Rand uses the failure of Twentieth Century Motors to make what point about socialism?

2. How does Lillian describe the bracelet?

3. When a reporter asks Dagny, "Who is John Galt?" what is her answer?

4. What game does Francisco play with the Mexican government and the American stockholders in the San Sebastian Mines?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Briefly explain Dr. Stadler's surprise that the motor Dagny found was being developed in a remote automobile factory.

2. Explain how the mystery of Eddie Willers' unnamed friend in the cafeteria and the shadowy man Dagny sees outside her office add to the suspense of the novel.

3. Dagny sees Hank Rearden as a "man who belongs on earth." Explain why.

4. Explain the significance of the mysterious Halley's Fifth Concerto in developing the novel.

5. Using the example of the Anti-Dog-Eat-Dog rule, explain in a few paragraphs how eliminating competition by legislation destroys productivity.

6. Describe how the chain is viewed by Henry Rearden, Lillian Rearden, and Dagny Taggart. Explain its significance to the story.

7. Explain the symbolism of Lillian's taking Dagny's diamond bracelet in exchange for the Rearden Metal chain.

8. Discuss the significance of the names Rand gives to the businesses in ATLAS SHRUGGED.

9. As James Taggart and Dagny discuss plans for Taggart Transcontinental, James' attitude sets the stage for the real conflict in ATLAS SHRUGGED. Explain.

10. Why is the idea of "motive" so important in the novel? Explain in detail.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,244 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample