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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 does Elwood Dowd say that Harvey would like?

2. Who does Dr. William Chumley call to verify the name of the patient to be admitted to the sanitarium?

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

4. What form does Harvey take?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Is the relationship between the nurse and Dr. Lyman Sanderson purely professional?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is it that finally makes Veta Simmons decide she is willing to accept Elwood Dowd just the way he is (Harvey and all)? Please explain your answers using the text where appropriate.

(see the answer keys)

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