Atlas Shrugged: The Train Journey

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Questions and Answers

What emotion does the boy display when he initially mentions the Halley Concerto?

Surprise

Confidence (correct)

Indifference

Fear

What is the correct number of concertos written by Richard Halley?

Five

Three

Two

Four (correct)

How does the girl's perception of the boy change after she corrects him?

She becomes angry

She feels empathy

She loses interest in him (correct)

She admires his knowledge

What aspect of the music does the girl feel strongly about?

She knows every note Halley has written Signup and view all the answers

What action does the girl take after extinguishing her cigarette?

She considers lighting another one Signup and view all the answers

What feeling does the sound of the train wheels evoke in the girl?

Peace Signup and view all the answers

What does the girl's facial recognition reveal about her expectations of people's faces?

They often lack responsibility Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying tension for the girl as the train approaches New York?

She has unresolved problems to consider Signup and view all the answers

What was Miss Taggart's main concern regarding the Comet?

Ensuring it arrived on time Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason Miss Taggart opted for a day coach?

There were no available sleeping cars Signup and view all the answers

How did the conductor react to Miss Taggart's choice of travel?

He was bewildered and confused Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about Miss Taggart's view on her subordinates?

She finds it hard to find competent workers Signup and view all the answers

What did Miss Taggart plan to do upon her return after the trip?

Replace the superintendent of the Ohio Division Signup and view all the answers

How did Miss Taggart feel about the state of the railroad industry?

Understanding of its ongoing issues Signup and view all the answers

Who did Miss Taggart consider promoting to the superintendent position?

Owen Kellogg, her assistant Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of the men by the engine when they saw Miss Taggart?

They expressed admiration Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of her appearance does the narrator emphasize as being off-putting?

The intensity of her eyes Signup and view all the answers

How long had she been waiting for Hank Rearden to go into production?

Six months Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator imply is the reason for the character's cold demeanor?

A conscious effort of will Signup and view all the answers

What does the protagonist refuse to change about Rearden's name?

The use of the name 'Hank' Signup and view all the answers

What does the character insist on when confronted with a decision?

Making a decision immediately Signup and view all the answers

What does she offer to send after their discussion?

A detailed report Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of metal rails in their discussion?

They are an absolute necessity Signup and view all the answers

What does the character think about lengthy procedures?

They are expected and manageable Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state is the protagonist experiencing while listening to the music?

Joy and freedom Signup and view all the answers

What does the protagonist recognize about Richard Halley's symphony?

It reflects his life story. Signup and view all the answers

What sound does the protagonist hear beneath the music?

The sound of train wheels Signup and view all the answers

How does the protagonist describe Halley's previous works?

Foreshadowing and incomplete Signup and view all the answers

What realization does the protagonist come to regarding the source of the music?

It is being whistled by the brakeman. Signup and view all the answers

What does the protagonist think about letting go of the controls?

It allows for deeper feelings. Signup and view all the answers

How does the protagonist feel about the symphony's melody?

It is clear and complex. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the symphony did the protagonist never hear before?

The theme of the symphony Signup and view all the answers

What is Paul Larkin's primary concern regarding Hank Rearden?

Rearden's public image may affect his success. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hank Rearden respond to Paul Larkin's concerns about public perception?

He dismisses the concerns as unimportant. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Paul Larkin's demeanor during the conversation?

Gentle and pleading. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hank Rearden prioritize in his business?

Making steel and generating profit. Signup and view all the answers

How does Larkin perceive the potential impact of negative press on Rearden?

He fears it could harm Rearden's business. Signup and view all the answers

What does Larkin suggest Rearden should consider regarding his public relations?

Hiring a good press agent. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Rearden's character is highlighted through his dialogue with Larkin?

His determination to remain focused on production. Signup and view all the answers

How does Larkin feel about the reputation Rearden has with the public?

He feels it's misleading and needs improvement. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Train Journey

A woman, possibly Dagny Taggart, is traveling on the Taggart Comet, the fastest train in the country, and is listening to a symphony she has never heard before.
The symphony's theme is recognized as Richard Halley's.
The woman realizes the symphony is coming from a young brakeman whistling the theme.
The woman is surprised to find out the brakeman believes the symphony is Halley's 5th Concerto, even though Halley only wrote four.
The woman is struggling to sleep, having not slept for two nights, but she can't stop thinking about the symphony.

Operations of Dagny Taggart

Dagny is described as the Vice-president in Charge of Operation for Taggart Transcontinental.
She has been making decisions based on a six-month plan she had made.
Dagny needs to find a replacement for the superintendent of the Ohio Division, as he is considered incompetent.
She considers promoting Owen Kellogg, a young engineer currently working at the Taggart Terminal in New York.

The "Yes or No"

Dagny is discussing the acquisition of metal rails with a meeting with a man.
She is described as a strong and forceful negotiator.
She tells the man she doesn't care for his opinion, that he has "a choice to make and you're going to make it now. Just say yes or no."

The Rearden Metal

Paul Larkin visits Hank Rearden, expressing concern about the bad press he has been receiving for his Rearden Metal.
He suggests that Rearden hire a public relations agent to improve his image and avoid public backlash.
Rearden feels that the bad press is not affecting his business and that he has no time for public opinion, as he is focused solely on making steel and making money.
Larkin worries that Rearden's anti-social attitude, as portrayed in the media, could lead to trouble.

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Description

Explore the intriguing moments of Dagny Taggart's journey on the Taggart Comet as she encounters a mysterious symphony. As tensions rise in her professional world, Dagny weighs crucial decisions regarding her operations and her team's future. This quiz dives into the characters and themes presented in this iconic novel.