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The Ultimate Study Guide for David Auburn's Proof: A Drama for Students

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David Auburn's play, Proof, won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and has captivated audiences worldwide with its exploration of genius, grief, and the nature of proof.

A Study Guide for David Auburn's "Proof" (Drama For Students)

by Faith Blum

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	685 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	21 pages

This comprehensive study guide is designed to aid students in their understanding and appreciation of Proof. It covers essential aspects of the play, including character analysis, themes, literary devices, and more.

Character Analysis

Catherine Llewellyn: A brilliant but troubled mathematician grappling with her father's legacy and her own sanity.
Robert Llewellyn: Catherine's renowned mathematician father, who has recently died and left behind a controversial notebook.
Hal Fields: A former student of Robert's who is determined to prove the worth of his unfinished work.
Claire Llewellyn: Robert's sister, who is caring for Catherine and trying to make sense of her brother's death.

Themes

Genius and Insanity: Proof explores the fine line between brilliance and mental illness, questioning the nature of genius and the sacrifices it can demand.
Legacy and Identity: The play delves into the impact of a parent's legacy on their children, examining the challenges and responsibilities that come with carrying a famous name.
Truth and Proof: Proof raises questions about the nature of proof, both in mathematics and in life, and the subjective nature of truth.
Grief and Loss: The play explores the complexities of grief, as the characters grapple with the loss of loved ones and the search for meaning in the face of tragedy.

Literary Devices

Foreshadowing: Auburn uses subtle hints and allusions to foreshadow the play's tragic events, creating a sense of suspense and anticipation.
Symbolism: The notebook, the blackboard, and the proof itself are all used as symbols to represent the characters' struggles and the themes of the play.
Irony: The play is filled with dramatic irony, as the audience knows more about the characters' past and intentions than they do themselves.
Pacing: The play's pacing is deliberately slow at times, reflecting the characters' emotional turmoil and the weight of their decisions.

Additional Analysis

The Notebook

The notebook is a central symbol in the play, representing Robert's genius and the potential for greatness.

The Proof

The proof itself is the ultimate goal of the characters, a mathematical breakthrough that could cement Robert's legacy and restore Catherine's sense of self.

The Ending

The play's ending is ambiguous, leaving the audience to ponder the nature of truth, genius, and the search for meaning in life.

David Auburn's Proof is a powerful and thought-provoking drama that offers a rich and multifaceted study for students.

This guide has provided an overview of the play's characters, themes, literary devices, and additional analysis to aid in students' understanding and appreciation of this award-winning work.

A Study Guide for David Auburn's "Proof" (Drama For Students)

by Faith Blum

4.1 out of 5