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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 Elwood Dowd tell Dr. Lyman Sanderson about the name Harvey?

2. Who does Ruth Kelly call to verify Elwood Dowd's story?

3. What does Ruth Kelly tell Dr. Lyman Sanderson?

4. What is Elwood Dowd's initial reaction upon seeing the parcel Myrtle Mae Simmons left?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Why is Myrtle Mae Simmons surprised when Judge Gaffney arrives at the Dowd home?

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

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

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

Throughout the play, Myrtle May Simmons' attitudes toward her uncle are sour and don't change much. How is this character used throughout the story, especially in light of the changes we see in virtually every other character? What aspect of humanity at large does her character represent? Please provide support from the text.

Essay Topic 3

How do you think a Pooka like Harvey determines who can see it and who can't? List three people from the play that have different levels of interaction with Harvey (can see him, only see him sometimes, cannot see him) and how that affects their attitude toward Elwood Dowd's sanity or lack thereof.

(see the answer keys)

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