Student Question
What does the 'P' stand for in 'Elwood P. Dowd' from "Harvey"?
Quick answer:
The "P" in Elwood P. Dowd likely stands for "pooka," reflecting his imaginary friend Harvey, who is a mischievous magical creature from Celtic mythology. This suggests a duality in Dowd's character, where Harvey represents his method of coping with his overbearing family environment. The inclusion of "P" symbolizes Elwood's attempt to find normalcy amid these challenges.
The P. in Elwood P. Dowd probably stands for "pooka", which is what Elwood's imaginary friend Harvey is. A pooka is mischievous magical creature from Celtic mythology. This suggests that Dowd is both Harvey and Elwood. Harvey is Dowd's way of dealing with his sister and niece. The added "P" is Elwood's way of finding normalcy in a world of women he finds overbearing and suffocating.
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