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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 are discussing the treatment to be given to Veta Simmons?

2. What one word best sums up the type of humor in this scene?

3. What does Wilson read at the end of this scene?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Why is Dr. Lyman Sanderson mortified when he learns that Elwood Dowd has been sent upstairs at the sanitarium?

5. Describe Elwood Dowd.

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

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

8. What does Veta Simmons tell Dr. Lyman Sanderson that makes him think she's the crazy one?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

Throughout the play "Harvey", Mary Chase weaves a theme about how humans need to hold onto their dreams. This is best articulated by Veta Simmons when she is speaking with Judge Gaffney in Act 2, Scene 1. Do you believe the author is trying to say that, although Harvey may not be real, it is important for people to believe in something beyond themselves that, ultimately, makes them better? Please support your thesis from examples based on the text.

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