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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. At the end of the scene what doesn't Robert want Catherine to do?

2. Who does Hal think has written the proof?

3. Why was Catherine's drawer locked?

4. Why does Claire give the object to Hal?

5. What are the subjects of the proof?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Is Robert upset that Catherine plans to leave? Why or why not?

3. When did Catherine write the proof?

4. How does Catherine react when Claire and Hal do not believe her?

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

6. Does Claire believe that Catherine wrote the proof? Why or why not?

7. Why is Claire worried about Catherine?

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

9. How does Catherine meet Hal?

10. What decision has Catherine made about school?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Hal admits at the end of Act 2 not only that the proof is correct, but that he was wrong and should have believe Catherine the first time. How does this admission vindicate her? She proceeds not to explicitly forgive him, but does agree to sit down and explain the proof. Is this perhaps the first time she has ever had the opportunity to talk to anyone about her work? What fear does she reveal to Hal? What are the implications for the future as she begins to explain the proof to Hal?

Essay Topic 2

After the funeral, Catherine and Hal spend the night together.

1.) What are the factors that bring them together?

2.) How are they each tied to the memory of Robert? Is Catherine warding off the pain by succumbing to something physical?

3.) Who is the aggressor? Are they equally attracted to each other?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 695 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample