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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 are discussing the treatment to be given to Veta Simmons?

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

3. How does Elwood Dowd describe Harvey to Dr. William Chumley's wife?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Do you think that Ethel Chauvenet could see Harvey, given that he likes her very much?

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

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

5. Describe Elwood Dowd's feelings toward Ruth Kelly.

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

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

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

9. Describe the nurse, Ruth Kelly.

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

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

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 3

Elwood Dowd's personality is a key component of this play, perhaps moreso than any other event that happens. He remains constant, no matter what is going on around him. What is Elwood Dowd's personality like? Do you attribute his state of mind to being apathetic or ambivalent to the people in his life or his surroundings? Why or why not? Has he truly discovered something that the other characters don't know? If so, what is it? Please provide support from the text.

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