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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 is Hal unhappy with his own work?

2. What was Hal's state of mind when he met Catherine four years ago?

3. What time of day does Catherine's conversation with Robert occur?

4. What has become Claire's fiance's new hobby?

5. Why did Robert keep requesting that Catherine check out library books for him?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has Hal found in the locked drawer, and why is it so important?

2. Does Hal think he will still have the next great mathematical revelation?

3. Why does Hal think his papers get turned down for publication?

4. What does Robert reveal about Catherine's state of mind in the first scene?

5. Are Claire and Catherine very comfortable around one another?

6. Describe how Catherine treats the police when they arrive.

7. How does Hal describe the mathematicians at his conferences?

8. Who is Sophie Germain?

9. What is Hal's excuse for kissing Catherine?

10. Why is it strange that Catherine and Robert are speaking in the beginning of the first scene?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Catherine stays in bed for a week, Claire cancels her flight to take care of her.

1.) Does Catherine appreciate Claire staying behind to help her?

2.) Does Claire simply feel obligated to stay, or is she truly concerned for Catherine?

3.) Is Claire too quick to assume that Catherine may have a mental health problem?

Essay Topic 2

What role does time have in the play? How does the playwright use time loosely to share vital information about the characters and plot? Discuss the significance of Catherine's birthday. When does the date appear in the play? How many times?

Essay Topic 3

In the play, there is a fine line between madness and genius; kindness and presumption. Discuss this fine line as it applies to:

1.) Robert.

2.) Catherine.

3.) Claire.

(see the answer keys)

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