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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. Which character was selected to be the associate doctor at the sanitarium?

2. What seems to be the main obstacle for Veta Simmons' full acceptance by the town's society folk?

3. Myrtle Mae Simmons answers the phone as the first scene begins. Who is calling?

4. What does Dr. Lyman Sanderson claim about Veta Simmons' mental condition?

5. What does Elwood Dowd get from behind a book on the bookcase?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Veta Simmons ask her daughter to be especially nice to Ethel Chauvenet?

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

5. Veta Simmons explains to Dr. Lyman Sanderson that Elwood Dowd has some quirks, including drinking. What does this imply about 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. Do you think that Ethel Chauvenet could see Harvey, given that he likes her very much?

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

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

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

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.

Essay Topic 2

By Act 1, Scene 2, we have some indications that Harvey may not be a figment of Elwood Dowd's imagination. Select two other characters from the play who also have some level of interaction with Harvey (seeing, hearing, etc.) and explain why this is significant within the context of the play. How do each of these characters react to learning about Harvey? Do you think they accept their newly-revealed knowledge or not?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the play, Myrtle May Simmons' attitudes toward her uncle are sour and don't change much. How is this character used throughout the story, especially in light of the changes we see in virtually every other character? What aspect of humanity at large does her character represent? Please provide support from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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