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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. What does Claire think Hal is to Catherine?

2. According to the letter Catherine has memorized, is Gauss pleased to discover the letters he has received are from a woman?

3. What did Catherine think of Hal the first time they met?

4. What time of day does Catherine's conversation with Robert occur?

5. Why is Hal unhappy with his own work?

Short Essay Questions

1. Robert was a graphomaniac. What does that mean?

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

3. How does Catherine describe Robert's mathematical processes?

4. Why does Hal try to take the notebook?

5. Describe Catherine's reaction when she discovers the notebook.

6. Who paid off the mortgage on the house? How?

7. Who is Sophie Germain?

8. Why is Claire so worried when Catherine cannot explain the police presence at the house the night before?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Claire is a very different character from Catherine, but has a very distinct point of view in the play.

1.) What does Claire do for a living? Is she a mathematical person too?

2.) What was Claire's contribution during Robert's illness? How does this make Catherine somewhat beholden to her?

3.) Describe Claire's personality. How does she differ from Catherine and Robert?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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