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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. Where does this scene take place?

2. What does Harvey look like, according to this scene?

3. What does Veta Simmons believe is protecting her brother?

4. According to the phone conversation at the beginning of this scene, who has gone missing for four hours?

5. Throughout this scene, who remains adamant that Elwood Dowd be locked up in the sanitarium?

Short Essay Questions

1. Veta Simmons and Dr. William Chumley argue a great deal in this scene. What in general is the argument about?

2. What is Veta Simmons' reasoning for why she was committed instead of Elwood Dowd?

3. What becomes clear about Elwood Dowd in this scene?

4. How does Dr. Lyman Sanderson try to psychoanalyze Elwood Dowd's relationship with Harvey?

5. How does Dr. William Chumley get escorted out of Charlie's Place, according to Elwood Dowd?

6. Who enters the sanitarium toward the end of this scene? What is this person's emotional state?

7. Why is Myrtle Mae Simmons surprised when Judge Gaffney arrives at the Dowd home?

8. In his phone conversation home in this scene, what does Elwood Dowd want to know?

9. What are some of the reasons Veta Simmons is visibly shaken up and disheveled-looking when she first appears in this scene?

10. What do you think Elwood Dowd meant when he confesses "I wrestled with reality for forty years and I am happy to state that I finally won out over it"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Toward the end of the play, Elwood Dowd tells the doctor about his mother's advice: "In this world you must be oh, so smart or, oh so pleasant. I was smart. I recommend pleasant" in order to be successful. What do you think this quote means in the context of Elwood Dowd's character in the play? What does this reveal about Elwood Dowd and what he knows about himself and the world around him? Please support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Describe briefly whether or not you feel Veta Simmons and her daughter were only putting up with Elwood Dowd and his invisible friend because he had inherited everything from his and Veta Simmons' mother, including the mansion? Please provide 2-3 examples from the text to support your thesis.

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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