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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How much of Robert's ability does Claire think she has inherited?
(a) One-one hundredth.
(b) One-fiftieth.
(c) One-quarter.
(d) One-one thousandth.

2. What does Claire think about Hal's suggestion to check the proof?
(a) Claire thinks his suggestions is terrible--how could Catherine possibly recite the proof from memory?
(b) Claire thinks his suggestion is terrible--she does not have time to go to trial.
(c) Claire thinks his suggestion is excellent--no one will be able to validate the authoship better than Robert.
(d) Claire thinks his suggestion is excellent--who better to check the proof than mathematicians who knew Robert?

3. Why does Claire give the object to Hal?
(a) She is hiding the object from Robert.
(b) She is trying to win his love.
(c) She wants to sabotage Catherine.
(d) She thinks someone needs to find out what is in it.

4. Why does Robert yell at Catherine?
(a) He wants her to go on a walk with him, but she will not.
(b) He wants her to read the proof aloud, and she does not want to.
(c) He does not understand her mathematics, and gets upset.
(d) She insulted and upset him.

5. What does Robert begin to write at the end of Act 2, Scene 1?
(a) He begins to write his edits for Hal's thesis.
(b) He begins to write the journal entry that Hal tries to give to Catherine.
(c) He begins to write the proof that Hal discovers.
(d) He begins to write his last will and testament.

6. Where will Catherine live while she is in school?
(a) At home.
(b) Evanston.
(c) Chicago.
(d) New York.

7. Why does Claire trust Hal with the object?
(a) She has no idea.
(b) She thinks he is an idiot, but not dishonest.
(c) She cannot trust Robert with the object and Hal is the next best choice.
(d) She is in love with him and would believe anything he says.

8. What does Catherine ask Robert to do, after he shows her his latest ideas in the notebook?
(a) She asks him to go back inside the house.
(b) She asks him to get the work published right away.
(c) She asks him to burn the notebook.
(d) She asks him leave and never come back.

9. What does Robert insist on, though it is freezing cold outside?
(a) He wants to go over the proof with Catherine on the porch.
(b) He wants to sit on the porch and stargaze.
(c) He wants to go for a walk with Catherine.
(d) He wants to pitch a tent outside and camp.

10. Robert says he is satisfied with Claire, but he is _______ of/with/to Catherine?
(a) Terrified.
(b) Proud.
(c) Angry.
(d) Indifferent.

11. Why has Catherine waited so long to inform Robert of her plans?
(a) She was on the waiting list at the school, and was not certain she would be accepted.
(b) Until recently, she had no desire to return to school, thinking it dull and predictable.
(c) Until recently, she was not sure if he was truly better, and worried she may need to stay with him.
(d) She knew he would be incredibly angry, and wanted to give him as little choice as possible in the matter.

12. How does Hal want to check the proof?
(a) He wants Catherine to recite it to him from memory.
(b) He wants to take it to some mathematicians at the university who are all familiar with Robert and his work.
(c) He wants to sit down with Robert and have a heart to heart.
(d) He wants to present the proof as evidence in the pending trial over its authorship.

13. What is the stage direction for Catherine reading the proof?
(a) Slowly, without inflection.
(b) Quietly, in disbelief.
(c) Quickly and angrily.
(d) Vivaciously, with excitement.

14. What does Catherine request for dinner?
(a) Soup, bread, and irish coffee.
(b) Steak, cheap beer, and potatoes.
(c) Chicken, fine wine, and celery.
(d) Salad, margaritas, and cake.

15. Why is Catherine adamant that Robert could not have written the proof?
(a) Because the proof is incorrect and full of errors, and Robert never made errors.
(b) Because, though he asked her to keep his secret, she knows that Hal wrote the proof.
(c) Because she knows that Claire wrote the proof and is keeping it a secret.
(d) Because, even during the good year when he was lucid, he was not able to do mathematics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who will help her pay for living expenses--books, food, gas, etc?

2. What does Claire think about Hal's relationship with Catherine?

3. What object does Claire give to Hal before he leaves?

4. What does Robert say is finally working again?

5. Why does Catherine claim she wrote the proof in one of Robert's notebook?

(see the answer keys)

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