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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 Elwood Dowd tell Betty Chumley about his location?

2. Who says "A painting shows not only the reality but the dream behind it"?

3. What does Elwood do before leaving the scene again?

4. How many bars were searched looking for Elwood Dowd?

5. How does Elwood Dowd respond to Wilson's questions?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Elwood Dowd's reaction to the parcel brought out by Myrtle Mae Simmons?

2. When Elwood Dowd mentions to Ruth Kelly that he has things he needs to do, what is he referring to?

3. What type of mechanism is relied on in this scene to generate its many comedic moments?

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

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

6. What does Ruth Kelly find out when she calls Charlie's Place to verify Elwood Dowd's story?

7. Why does Elwood Dowd enter the sanitarium with flowers for Ruth Kelly?

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

9. In his phone conversation home in this scene, what does Elwood Dowd want to know?

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

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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