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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 observation does Myrtle Mae Simmons make about her mother in relation to her uncle, Elwood Dowd?

2. What is the name of the orderly in Chumley's rest?

3. What does Mrs. Greenawalt try to sell Elwood Dowd over the phone?

4. What is Veta Simmons' reaction whenever Elwood Dowd's invisible friend's name is mentioned?

5. What does Dr. William Chumley suggest that Dr. Lyman Sanderson can use on Veta Simmons for her treatment?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Ethel Chauvenet react the way she does when introduced to Harvey?

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

3. When Veta Simmons asks Elwood Dowd to wait for her in the parlor, what do you think she wants to talk to him about?

4. Veta Simmons explains to Dr. Lyman Sanderson that Elwood Dowd has some quirks, including drinking. What does this imply about Elwood Dowd?

5. Describe Elwood Dowd's feelings toward Ruth Kelly.

6. Describe Elwood Dowd.

7. What does Ruth Kelly fear about "accidentally" committing Elwood Dowd earlier that day instead of his "crazy" sister?

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

9. Describe the nurse, Ruth Kelly.

10. Why does Veta Simmons ask her daughter to be especially nice to Ethel Chauvenet?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the significance of the strong presence of alcohol in Elwood Dowd's life? How do you think this would affect other people's acceptance of Harvey, given that Elwood Dowd drinks a lot? Is it important that the first "outside" person that actually interacts with Harvey is William Chumley, who goes out drinking with Elwood Dowd? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Why is the potential relationship between Myrtle Mae Simmons and Wilson so ironic? Why does Veta Simmons react in the way that she does to the thought of her daughter dating Wilson? Please provide examples from the text where appropriate.

(see the answer keys)

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