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

Short Answer Questions

1. In her conversation with Robert, why is Catherine worried?

2. Why did Claire stay up so late?

3. How many notebooks did Robert leave behind?

4. What was Hal's state of mind when he met Catherine four years ago?

5. At the beginning of the scene, what does Hal bring for Catherine to drink?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has Hal found in the locked drawer, and why is it so important?

2. What does Catherine give to Hal that morning? Where has Catherine been keeping the object ?

3. Describe Hal's mood the morning after he and Catherine sleep together.

4. Why does Hal try to take the notebook?

5. Describe the general mood at the house after Robert's funeral.

6. How is Claire's personality different from Catherine's?

7. Why has Hal come to the house?

8. Why is Hal's entrance at the end of the scene helpful for Catherine?

9. Describe how Catherine treats the police when they arrive.

10. Why does Hal think his papers get turned down for publication?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

PROOF is a play, not a novel, and is meant to be viewed and performed in front of an audience. Discuss the structure of the play and why or why not it is effective.

1.) What do you think an audience is meant to take away from the play? What major elements of the play make it different from a novel?

2.) Did you notice a difference between reading the play by yourself and hearing it read aloud?

3.) How do stage directions play a role in understanding the play?

Essay Topic 2

In the play, there is a fine line between madness and genius; kindness and presumption. Discuss this fine line as it applies to:

1.) Robert.

2.) Catherine.

3.) Claire.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the significance of students in bookstores for Robert. When does the audience first hear it from Robert? What is the significance of the second time the audience hears Robert talk about students and bookstores? What are the implications for Robert as a teacher?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 642 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample