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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are Myrtle Mae Simmons and her mother primarily trying to achieve?

2. While talking to Veta Simmons, what does Dr. Lyman Sanderson do?

3. What does Dr. Lyman Sanderson posit as the reason why Veta Simmons came to Chumley's Rest?

4. What does Veta Simmons confess to Dr. Lyman Sanderson about Harvey?

5. What does Dr. Lyman Sanderson believe about Veta Simmons?

Short Essay Questions

1. Do you think that Ethel Chauvenet could see Harvey, given that he likes her very much?

2. How does Elwood Dowd treat everyone on the sanitarium's staff?

3. Describe Elwood Dowd.

4. Why is Veta Simmons trying to get accepted by the town's society folk?

5. What does Dr. Lyman Sanderson think is best for Veta Simmons?

6. Why do you suppose Elwood Dowd insists on introducing Harvey to everyone?

7. Given Veta Simmons' reactions to Elwood Dowd and her daughter, do you think she truly disbelieves her brother regarding Harvey?

8. What does Elwood Dowd keep trying to do over and over again, only to be interrupted?

9. How do Ruth Kelly and Dr. Lyman Sanderson interact throughout this scene? What does this reveal about their relationship.

10. Is the relationship between the nurse and Dr. Lyman Sanderson purely professional?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is a strong theme throughout this play that contrasts belief (i.e., holding to things that are difficult to prove scientifically) and our need as humans for empirical evidence (scientific proof of things that can be perceived with the five senses). Pick three situations from the play "Harvey" by Mary Chase and explain which characters tend toward belief and which are looking for evidence with regard to Harvey. Do some characters change positions? Why or why not? Do you think that the author supports belief or science more? Please support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

In Act 1, Scene 2, where Elwood Dowd is taken to the sanitarium by Veta Simmons, there is a lot of comic miscommunication occurring. All of the various characters have an incomplete understanding of the situation, which makes Veta Simmons' situation at once comical and tragic. Please find three examples from this scene about how poor communications can create very different results from what was originally intended.

Essay Topic 3

Elwood Dowd's character is virtually unchanging throughout the play. What are the key elements of his personality that come out in each scene he's in? How does his demeanor compare to those around him who are "sane"? Why do you think this particular contrast is brought out by the author? Please support your answers.

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