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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. Where does this scene take place?

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

3. How tall is Harvey, according to Elwood Dowd?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. Why does Ethel Chauvenet react the way she does when introduced to Harvey?

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

8. Describe Elwood Dowd.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Act 1, Scene 2, where Elwood Dowd is taken to the sanitarium by Veta Simmons, there is a lot of comic miscommunication occurring. All of the various characters have an incomplete understanding of the situation, which makes Veta Simmons' situation at once comical and tragic. Please find three examples from this scene about how poor communications can create very different results from what was originally intended.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the characters of Elwood Dowd with Dr. William Chumley. How are they different? How are they alike? Would these two character have grown closer together had Elwood Dowd never brought up Harvey? Why or why not? Which one of the two do you believe is more sane?

(see the answer keys)

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