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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. How is Elwood Dowd dressed when we first see him?

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

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

4. What is Veta Simmons' reaction to Elwood Dowd's "friend"?

5. What does Dr. William Chumley do to Dr. Lyman Sanderson when he finds out they admitted the wrong patient?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Describe the nurse, Ruth Kelly.

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

Assuming that Harvey is real, as Elwood Dowd says he is, it creates an interesting theme in the play regarding how those with special knowledge (like Elwood Dowd) are treated by those without it (the rest of the characters). Looking at how the characters interact through this perspective, why do the other people in Elwood Dowd's life treat him the way they do? Are they feeling jealous, frightened, inadequate, or something else? Please support your positions from the text.

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of the strong presence of alcohol in Elwood Dowd's life? How do you think this would affect other people's acceptance of Harvey, given that Elwood Dowd drinks a lot? Is it important that the first "outside" person that actually interacts with Harvey is William Chumley, who goes out drinking with Elwood Dowd? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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