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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. According to Elwood Dowd's story, after Dr. William Chumley was through with his argument he ______________.

2. Where does Elwood Dowd tell Betty Chumley about his location?

3. What is Ruth Kelly's reaction to Elwood Dowd's story about Dr. William Chumley?

4. How does Judge Gaffney feel about Elwood Dowd being locked up in the sanitarium?

5. What is Dr. William Chumley's emotional state when he enters the sanitarium?

Short Essay Questions

1. With whom does Elwood Dowd speak to on the phone when he arrives home and what does he talk about?

2. Who enters the sanitarium toward the end of this scene? What is this person's emotional state?

3. What are some of the reasons Veta Simmons is visibly shaken up and disheveled-looking when she first appears in this scene?

4. According to Elwood Dowd, how did Harvey get his name?

5. How does Dr. William Chumley get escorted out of Charlie's Place, according to Elwood Dowd?

6. What tactic does Dr. William Chumley use to get Elwood Dowd to return home again? Is it successful?

7. What becomes clear about Elwood Dowd in this scene?

8. Why is Veta Simmons speech about the importance of art significant, if at all?

9. How does Dr. Lyman Sanderson try to psychoanalyze Elwood Dowd's relationship with Harvey?

10. Veta Simmons and Dr. William Chumley argue a great deal in this scene. What in general is the argument about?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why is the potential relationship between Myrtle Mae Simmons and Wilson so ironic? Why does Veta Simmons react in the way that she does to the thought of her daughter dating Wilson? Please provide examples from the text where appropriate.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Given the bits of dialogue and sporadic moments of "belief" from Veta Simmons, do you think she has ever really seen Harvey or not? Please support your thesis with reasons based on the text. If she had seen Harvey, why does she wish Elwood Dowd to not see the creature?

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