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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. What does Elwood do before leaving the scene again?

3. Where does Dr. Lyman Sanderson take Elwood Dowd?

4. What does Elwood Dowd find in Myrtle Mae Simmons' package?

5. What does Dr. William Chumley ask Wilson to do?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What does Myrtle Mae Simmons offer up as "proof" that Elwood Dowd is a horrible person to live with (at least according to her)?

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

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

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

8. What is Veta Simmons' reasoning for why she was committed instead of Elwood Dowd?

9. While Veta Simmons and Dr. William Chumley are arguing, what happens?

10. In one or two sentences, describe how the evening's events transpired, according to Elwood Dowd.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

Elwood Dowd's character is virtually unchanging throughout the play. What are the key elements of his personality that come out in each scene he's in? How does his demeanor compare to those around him who are "sane"? Why do you think this particular contrast is brought out by the author? Please support your answers.

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