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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. How did Harvey receive his name, according to Elwood Dowd?

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

3. What does Elwood Dowd tell Ruth Kelly about Dr. William Chumley's whereabouts?

4. Who is helping Dr. Lyman Sanderson pack his things?

5. To whom is Myrtle Mae Simmons immediately attracted?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Why do you think Wilson is agitated when he finally locates Elwood Dowd back at Chumley's Rest?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the play "Harvey", Mary Chase weaves a theme about how humans need to hold onto their dreams. This is best articulated by Veta Simmons when she is speaking with Judge Gaffney in Act 2, Scene 1. Do you believe the author is trying to say that, although Harvey may not be real, it is important for people to believe in something beyond themselves that, ultimately, makes them better? Please support your thesis from examples based on the text.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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