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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. Ethel Chauvenet is key in the first scene because ______________________.

2. What is the name of the main character's niece?

3. Who does Elwood Dowd tell Dr. William Chumley's wife that he's looking for?

4. What does Elwood Dowd tell Ethel Chauvenet when she reacts to his casual conversation with his invisible friend?

5. Who does Dr. Lyman Sanderson believe needs immediate treatment?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Describe Elwood Dowd.

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

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

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

8. What does Dr. Lyman Sanderson think is best for Veta Simmons?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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