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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. What does Veta Simmons ask the judge to do?
2. What does Elwood Dowd want to know from Ruth Kelly and Dr. Lyman Sanderson?
3. What does Veta Simmons try to get Elwood Dowd to do?
4. Who enters with a bouquet of flowers for Ruth Kelly?
5. Myrtle Mae Simmons insists that the judge do what?
Short Essay Questions
1. Why do you think Wilson is agitated when he finally locates Elwood Dowd back at Chumley's Rest?
2. With whom does Elwood Dowd speak to on the phone when he arrives home and what does he talk about?
3. How does Dr. William Chumley get escorted out of Charlie's Place, according to Elwood Dowd?
4. What do you think Elwood Dowd meant when he confesses "I wrestled with reality for forty years and I am happy to state that I finally won out over it"?
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. Veta Simmons and Dr. William Chumley argue a great deal in this scene. What in general is the argument about?
8. What is Elwood Dowd's reaction to the parcel brought out by Myrtle Mae Simmons?
9. Who enters the sanitarium toward the end of this scene? What is this person's emotional state?
10. In his phone conversation home in this scene, what does Elwood Dowd want to know?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Assuming that Harvey is real, as Elwood Dowd says he is, it creates an interesting theme in the play regarding how those with special knowledge (like Elwood Dowd) are treated by those without it (the rest of the characters). Looking at how the characters interact through this perspective, why do the other people in Elwood Dowd's life treat him the way they do? Are they feeling jealous, frightened, inadequate, or something else? Please support your positions from the text.
Essay Topic 2
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.
Essay Topic 3
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.
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This section contains 817 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) |
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