How Does David Auburn Use Flashback In Proof

David Auburn use of the flashback scene in Proof contributed to the development of each character by providing the reader with an insight on the events that have taken place in the past that is hidden from the other characters in the story. By incorporating the flashback scene in his story, Auburn was able to use Modulated dialogue, the use of narrative commentary and scenic detail to extend the complexity of expression, to establish and explore past speculation thoroughly. In the story Catharine experience a flashback of a conversation between herself and her father, “I’m not talking about divine inspiration. It’s not funneling down into my head and onto the page… I- I’m sorry, I’m being rude. How’s school?” (p. 70-71). Within the flashback the reader get an insight of the severity of Catharine fathers’ illness and the actual truth on who wrote Proof. The flashback also shows the relationship between Catharine and

Catharine’s mental illness has always been a question between both reader and characters in the book, even Catharine herself questioned her own mental sanity. In the story, the “ghost” is Robert, though it is was not specified whether she hallucinated because she was inebriated or it’s because she was mentally ill. The “ghost” scene in the story gives the reader an initial insight on who Catharine actually is and how her life turned out, “Well. Because I’m also dead. (Beat) Aren’t I?” (p.13), it also makes Catharine wonder if she is actually hallucinating or is it real. Catharine’s hallucination is a manifestation of her consciousness, in her mind her father is the person who knows what to say and do therefore whenever she finds herself in a situation he is always the person who tells her the truth and is her guide through life. The fact that she is hallucinating can also mean in her own way she is grieving for the loss of her