- Published: September 15, 2022
- Updated: September 15, 2022
- University / College: The Ohio State University
- Level: Undergraduate
- Language: English
- Downloads: 13
Proof Analysis
The proof is a 2000 play that was written by David Auburn and produced by Broadway productions. The play revolves around the life of Catherine and her father who was a deceased mathematical genius. From the title of the play, it shows that there is something to be proven in the play. However, this differs from the various themes and messages brought in the play.
In the play, genius and madness, and love and trust are the key themes. The theme of genius and madness is depicted in the comparison of Catherine and her father in the inclusion of Hal and Claire. The author highlights the issue of genius through Catherine and Robert. The author shows that genius is unconducive to emotional stability evolving in the complex world that is built upon mundane, day-to-day activities and also understanding. The author continues by giving a suggestion that genius is not compatible with survival in the real world where the focus on food, housing, and careers must appear before the existence of luxury of other extraordinary achievement built from abstractions (Auburn 40).
Hal and Claire are depicted as intelligent representatives who are not the genius and who have contended to the adoption of the aneveryday world of accomplishment. Since Hal understands genius, he covers it for him alone keeping in mind that the stroke of genius will forever elude him. On the other hand, Claire sees her father as the genius, but she never understands the nature of genius or even its worth. She generally thinks that Catherine is emotionally unstable, and she is in need of looking after. Claire does not see the genius at all (Auburn 45).
The theme of trust comes in when Robert believes in his trust for Catherine and his capability in Math. Following Act 1 scene 1, a vision of Robert is shown to see how Catherine had potential and informs Catherine not to waste her talent (Auburn2). Additionally, in Act 2 scene 1, Robert believes in Catherine’s capability, and thus, he supported her in enrolling in Northwestern (Auburn 27). In scene 4 of Act 2, Robert continues to show his belief in Catherine’s capabilities by offering a deal of collaborating with her since he viewed her as his equal in math (Auburn 39). The author’s message was to inform the public to trust someone always no matter how he/she presents himself/herself. With the help of the characters, the author is successful in portraying his theme of trust. Additionally, he shows how love is important and sometimes might disappoint you. The characters played well in portraying what David Auburn wanted to pass out to the public.
Genius and madness theme in the movie was brought out very well. Not everybody will view another individual as they want. Robert took himself and Catherine as genius people, but Claire does not see the same. She thinks they are mad. Actually, this part needed somebody to portray such theme very well and thanks to Claire, who did so. This character suited her, and she portrayed the message as intended by David Auburn. This play never leaves anybody with questions or unsatisfied demands. I enjoyed the play and will always continue watching and reading it.
Works cited
Auburn, David. Proof: a play. New York: Faber and Faber, 2001. Print.