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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Robert say is finally working again?
(a) His television.
(b) The radiators.
(c) The machinery, or, his mathematical genius.
(d) His eyes, which have been bothering him.

2. How much of Robert's ability does Claire think Catherine has inherited?
(a) Less than Claire, but Claire is not sure how much less.
(b) More than Claire, but Claire is not sure how much more.
(c) One half.
(d) One quarter.

3. According to Robert, if the thesis "feels done," then...
(a) There are major errors.
(b) It is done! Congratulations.
(c) It should be published right away.
(d) It should be put down for a month and then rechecked.

4. What object does Claire give to Hal before he leaves?
(a) A plane ticket.
(b) The notebook.
(c) A sheet of paper.
(d) A coffee cup.

5. What is Catherine's explanation as to why she wrote the proof?
(a) She was depressed because she had to quit school and move home, and decided she could learn the math herself.
(b) She was jealous of Robert and vowed that she could come up with something better.
(c) She was so excited about math and life that the ideas could not be stopped.
(d) She does not claim to have written the proof.

Short Answer Questions

1. In whose notebook is the proof written?

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

3. What does Catherine request for dinner?

4. Why is Hal huffy when Claire guesses why he has come to the house?

5. What is the stage direction for Catherine reading the proof?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Robert's demeanor throughout the scene.

2. How does Catherine meet Hal?

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

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

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

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

7. What is Robert examining in the proof?

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

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

10. Why is Claire worried about Catherine?

(see the answer keys)

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