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Proof by David Auburn

An analysis of betrayal and trust in `Proof

Proof is play that is authored by David Auburn , a work that earned him a Pulitzer Prize for his accomplishment . The book tells the story of Catherine , a young girl with a mental dis who spent years caring for her father and learning mathematics and science (Daily Herald , 29 The story 's theme embodies issue of trust and betrayal , both of which are an emotional and logical act . Emotionally because in the play Catherine is most vulnerable emotionally , vulnerable in having her weaknesses known

to others , all the while with the incessant fear of other 's using this knowledge to their advantage . Logically she is vulnerable because in her scientific , mathematical mind others are able to assess the probabilities of gain and loss , calculate expected utility based on hard performance data , and conclude that she will will behave in a predictable manner . In practice , trust is given because of experience and one 's faith in human nature . In Proof , the character of Catherine has issues with trust and a fear of betrayal because she has lost all confidence in herself , thus making it hard for her to understand anyone else 's confidence in her therefore , trust and betrayal become strong themes present throughout the play

The issue of trust and betrayal in the play is the driving force behind the character that develops within Catherine . Despite her intelligence which her father acknowledged but refused to further develop , her fear and insecurity stands in the way of her own mathematical potential and that is why , throughout the play , we see her denial about her own accomplishments . She views her father 's genius turned madness as a heavy burden and almost a curse : if she has inherited his genius , she will end up inheriting his madness as well . Her refusal to trust herself , to become better and surpass her father 's intelligence , is one thing that obstructs her from standing up and improving herself . While alive and lucid her father was adamant that she use her potential , and in the visions where Catherine is seeing her father 's ghost he inspires her to face her fears and move forward with her gift . In the play her fear of betrayal and her distrust of others can clearly be understood through the character of her sister , who views Catherine as unable to care for herself and believes that her depression is a foreshadowing of her own insanity . The truth is , Catherine is a very gifted woman . She is just afraid of being criticized and afraid to challenge the prospect and idea of being successful . This is an important part of the play since , when her father died she is left alone to care for herself . Her father isn 't there physically to encourage her and be with her . The only thing that her father gave is the memories they both shared and his father 's inherited intelligence , and according to her fears , his madness . The story...

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