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

2. What are the subjects of the proof?

3. Why has Catherine come to the house?

4. What does Claire do for a living?

5. Robert says he is satisfied with Claire, but he is _______ of/with/to Catherine?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Claire worried about Catherine?

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

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

4. Describe Robert's demeanor throughout the scene.

5. How does Catherine meet Hal?

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

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

8. When did Catherine write the proof?

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

10. What is Robert examining in the proof?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are Catherine's arguments that she wrote the proof? What are Claire's arguments that she did not write the proof? Why is Hal skeptical? What is Catherine's explanation for her advanced understand of mathematics? At the climax of Act 1, Catherine tries to destroy the proof, though it is of extreme mathematical importance and she has poured her heart and soul into it. Why, at that point, is her only option to destroy it? Why does Claire stop her?

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

Claire arranges for Catherine to move to New York, and sells their old house in Chicago.

1.) Is Catherine happy about the move? Why or why not?

2.) Why does Claire sell the house? Why does she make such a huge decision without consulting Catherine?

3.) Does Claire take advantage of the fact that she was the financial support during Robert's illness?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 684 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample