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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 Robert love about bookstores in September?

2. What does Claire think about Hal's relationship with Catherine?

3. What is she paying for tuition?

4. In whose notebook is the proof written?

5. What has Catherine missed to come back to the house?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Where has Catherine come from to check on Robert?

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

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

5. How does Catherine meet Hal?

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

7. What decision has Catherine made about school?

8. Is Hal personally conflicted about taking the notebook?

9. Describe Robert's demeanor throughout the scene.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Catherine is angry and upset when Hal steals the notebook. She goes so far as to call the police, though he confesses as soon as she finds it and claims he wanted to give it back to her as a gift.

1.) Though he may have been planning to give it back, Hal attempted to steal on of her late father's possessions. Does Catherine overreact in this situation?

2.) What does Catherine think he may be trying to do with the information in the notebook?

(see the answer keys)

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