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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 is the name of Dr. William Chumley's wife?

2. With whom does Elwood Dowd discuss the details of the book he picked from the bookshelf?

3. How does Elwood Dowd speak to Mrs. Greenawalt?

4. With whom does Veta Simmons speak next on the telephone?

5. According to the sanitarium staff, who entered the sanitarium with Elwood Dowd?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why do you think Elwood Dowd invites Mrs. Greenawalt, a telemarketer, to his sister's party?

3. How does Myrtle Mae Simmons feel about her uncle?

4. Describe Elwood Dowd.

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

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

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

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

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

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

How do you think a Pooka like Harvey determines who can see it and who can't? List three people from the play that have different levels of interaction with Harvey (can see him, only see him sometimes, cannot see him) and how that affects their attitude toward Elwood Dowd's sanity or lack thereof.

Essay Topic 2

Elwood Dowd's personality is a key component of this play, perhaps moreso than any other event that happens. He remains constant, no matter what is going on around him. What is Elwood Dowd's personality like? Do you attribute his state of mind to being apathetic or ambivalent to the people in his life or his surroundings? Why or why not? Has he truly discovered something that the other characters don't know? If so, what is it? Please provide support from the text.

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.

(see the answer keys)

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