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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. Who is speaking to Veta Simmons as the scene opens?

2. How tall is Harvey, according to Elwood Dowd?

3. What does Betty Chumley tell the sanitarium staff about Harvey?

4. How does Elwood Dowd describe Harvey to Dr. William Chumley's wife?

5. Throughout the dialogue between Myrtle Mae Simmons and her mother, what do we learn about their attitude towards Elwood Dowd?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Dr. Lyman Sanderson believe is Veta Simmons' motivation for coming to the sanitarium and telling him about Elwood Dowd and Harvey?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In much of the play, Elwood Dowd carries around a raincoat and hat, even though he is wearing a raincoat and hat. What does this say about Elwood Dowd as a person? Why would he do such a thing? Please support your thesis from the text.

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

Why does Elwood Dowd comply with Veta Simmons' every wish regarding his mental health (admitting him to Chumley's Rest, administering the formula, etc.)? Why is it left to Vera Simmons to decide what happens to Elwood Dowd and, by extension, Harvey? Please support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 700 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample