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

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

3. Robert says he feels like no time has passed since he was...

4. What is she paying for tuition?

5. Why does Robert yell at Catherine?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Catherine get Hal to leave?

3. What decision has Catherine made about school?

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

5. Is Robert upset that Catherine plans to leave? Why or why not?

6. Is Hal personally conflicted about taking the notebook?

7. Describe Robert's demeanor throughout the scene.

8. How does Catherine meet Hal?

9. Why has Hal come back to the house after the fight?

10. What is Robert examining in the proof?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Hal and Robert are each afraid of getting old and losing their edge. They think mathematics is a young man's game, and very quickly a mathematician is past his prime.

1.) Could this idea have anything to do with Robert's illness? He works so hard to match his former genius, but cannot---could this be a contributing factor?

2.) Hal jokes that he has resigned himself to a teaching position. Do you think there is more it? Is Hal disappointed in his own lack of genius?

3.) Describe the lengths mathematicians go to in order to retain their edge, as described by Hal. How competitive is this field?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Hal feels some sort of a connection to Catherine. When she is catatonic in bed, he insists to Claire that Catherine may talk to him.

1.) What events my have led Hal to feel more connected with Catherine?

2.) Could he feel guilty and somewhat responsible for her breakdown?

3.) Is Hal a victim of circumstance, or could he have handled the situation more graciously?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 760 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample