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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 Catherine ask Robert to do, after he shows her his latest ideas in the notebook?

2. What does Robert begin to write at the end of Act 2, Scene 1?

3. Why does Claire give the object to Hal?

4. What is Catherine's explanation as to why she wrote the proof?

5. What is the date in Act 2, Scene 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. Does Claire believe that Catherine wrote the proof? Why or why not?

2. What decision has Catherine made about school?

3. Describe why Claire allows Hal to take the notebook.

4. How do Robert's feelings differ between Catherine and Claire?

5. How does Catherine meet Hal?

6. Why is Claire worried about Catherine?

7. Why or why not does Catherine want to attend the University of Chicago?

8. Why was Hal the first person to whom Catherine showed the proof?

9. Why is the date in the scene particularly significant?

10. Does Hal believe that Catherine wrote the proof? Why or why not?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

After the funeral, Catherine and Hal spend the night together.

1.) What are the factors that bring them together?

2.) How are they each tied to the memory of Robert? Is Catherine warding off the pain by succumbing to something physical?

3.) Who is the aggressor? Are they equally attracted to each other?

Essay Topic 2

When Catherine stays in bed for a week, Claire cancels her flight to take care of her.

1.) Does Catherine appreciate Claire staying behind to help her?

2.) Does Claire simply feel obligated to stay, or is she truly concerned for Catherine?

3.) Is Claire too quick to assume that Catherine may have a mental health problem?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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