View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What sarcastic comment does Dagny make to James Taggart and Wesley Mouch?

2. What is the cryptic question that sets the mood of suspense in ATLAS SHRUGGED?

3. Who is the childhood friend of Jim and Dagny who now works for them?

4. How does Rand use the marriage of James and Cherryl to make her point against social philosophy?

5. What is the meaning of "Wyatt's torch"?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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.

3. Rand introduces "Wyatt's Torch" as Dagny returns on the train to Wyatt Junction. What does the term suggest?

4. Describe the meaning and the purpose of "white blackmail."

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

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

7. Lillian demands the Rearden Metal bracelet back and threatens to tell everyone that Dagny is sleeping with her husband. What is the irony of that situation?

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

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. When Cherryl confronts Dagny and says that she is now Mrs. Taggart, the woman of the family, Dagny replies, "That's quite all right. I'm the man." Explain what she means by that comment.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay on the character of Phillip Rearden. How is he unlike his brother Hank?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay on Project X and compare it to WMDs today.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about influence peddling. Refer to Cuffy Meigs sending train cars to Louisiana to pick up worthless soy beans while the grain crops in Minesota rot for lack of trasportation.

Do you think we see some influence peddling in our government today?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,189 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample