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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 whose notebook is the proof written?

2. Does Hal go with them to dinner?

3. When Claire asks Catherine to recite the proof, how does Catherine reply?

4. What is Robert opposed to having for dinner?

5. What does Hal accidentally remind Robert when he says they will meet in a week, on the eleventh?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why has Robert decided to write on the porch?

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

3. How does Catherine meet Hal?

4. Did Hal intentionally take advantage of Catherine when they slept together?

5. What is Robert examining in the proof?

6. Is Hal personally conflicted about taking the notebook?

7. Why is Claire worried about Catherine?

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

9. What does Claire think is the problem with mathematicians in emotional situations?

10. What do Robert and Catherine decide to do for dinner?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Robert and Catherine have a very unique father/daughter relationship.

1.) Describe why their relationship is different from most. Are there any role reversals?

2.) Do Claire and Robert share a similar bond, or are Catherine and Robert two peas in a pod?

3.) They each have very specific fears they voice in the play. What are these fears? How do they differ? How are they similar?

Essay Topic 2

Catherine has had the proof finished for quite some time, but shows it to no one until she gives Hal the key to the upstairs drawer.

1.) Why does Catherine choose Hal to whom she reveals the groundbreaking proof? Does it matter to Catherine that Claire is present as well, or is that just circumstance?

2.) Catherine does not seemed surprised when Claire does not believe her, but is extremely hurt when Hal is unsure. Why does Hal's skepticism upset her so much?

3.) Is Catherine excited about her work, or has mathematics been soured for her by her father's death?

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)

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