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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Ethel Chauvenet's reaction to Elwood Dowd's imaginary friend?
(a) She is oddly accepting of it.
(b) She calls the sanitarium immediately.
(c) She introduces Elwood Dowd to her own imaginary friend.
(d) She is horrified and wants to get away.

2. Throughout the dialogue between Myrtle Mae Simmons and her mother, what do we learn about their attitude towards Elwood Dowd?
(a) They believe he is eccentric and charming.
(b) They feel he is mentally unstable.
(c) They believe he is trying to get himself committed to a mental institution.
(d) They feel his invisible friend is real.

3. What does Myrtle Mae Simmons wonder aloud about her uncle, Eldwood Dowd?
(a) Why he carries around an extra hat and raincoat.
(b) Why he can't be normal like her mother.
(c) Why he can't just be run over by a truck.
(d) Why he isn't in show business.

4. What is Veta Simmons' reaction to Elwood Dowd's "friend"?
(a) She suspects Elwood Dowd has been taking hallucinogenic drugs.
(b) She feels helpless and cries a lot.
(c) She is embarrassed, but tries to deal with it.
(d) She actively introduces Elwood Dowd's invisible buddy to everyone.

5. Myrtle Mae Simmons answers the phone as the first scene begins. Who is calling?
(a) The Reader's Digest clearinghouse.
(b) The Society Editor of the local paper.
(c) A long-lost friend.
(d) The IRS.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. According to the dialogue in this scene between Veta SImmons and Ethel Chauvenet, do the two women see each other often?

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

4. What are Veta Simmons and Ruth Kelly talking about?

5. Who are discussing the treatment to be given to Veta Simmons?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to Veta Simmons, to whom did her mother leave everything, including the mansion?

2. What do we learn about Elwood Dowd in this first scene of the play?

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

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

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

6. Describe the nurse, Ruth Kelly.

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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