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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. When Veta Simmons hangs up the phone with Mrs. Greenawalt, what does she declare?

2. What is the name of the orderly in Chumley's rest?

3. Who is ultimately locked up in the sanitarium in this scene?

4. What is Ethel Chauvenet's reaction to Elwood Dowd's imaginary friend?

5. Does Elwood Dowd order from Mrs. Greenawalt?

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

3. Describe Elwood Dowd.

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

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

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

7. What does Ruth Kelly fear about "accidentally" committing Elwood Dowd earlier that day instead of his "crazy" sister?

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

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

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

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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