Genius And Madness In David Auburn's Proof

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The question as the relationship between genius and madness is central to David Auburn's “Proof.” This question centres on how one understands the relationship between Catherine and her father, and in particular on how one understands what precise characteristics she inherited from him. The play focuses clearly on this connection , as well as on the way in which these two may be seen co-exist within one personality. Indeed, in the character of Robert Auburn presents mental instability and ill health as a transition and qualitative change in genius, as opposed to something that may be separated from it entirely. From this perspective, it is clear that the play does not firmly suggest that Catherine inherited either her father's genius, or his mental problems, but suggests that both may co-exist within one life time. This paper will demonstrate this by paying particular attention to the way in which the play represents the way in which a personality may change and deteriorate through time.
From the opening scene of the play, it is clear that Auburn places a strong focus on transience and on the importance of seizing a particular moment. This is especially the case given the …show more content…

It is clear throughout the play that across a life span both brilliance and deterioration may co-exist within one person and that one may lead naturally to another. It cannot be made clear therefore, whether Catherine has inherited either her father's genius or his capacity for mental instability, however it should be noted that this question is problematic. This problem emerges as the question attempts to present brilliance and deterioration as mutually exclusive; something challenged by their presentation within the play

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