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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who played the role of George Henderson in the original production of Trifles?
(a) James Warner
(b) Michael Hulgan
(c) Andrew Vestile
(d) Madison Dirks

2. When was Trifles first performed?
(a) August 8, 1916
(b) March 12, 1885
(c) September 25, 1919
(d) July 15, 1901

3. What character did Susan Glaspell portray in the original production of Trifles?
(a) Mrs. Wright
(b) Mrs. Samuel
(c) Mrs. Hale
(d) Mrs. Peters

4. As a founding member of a famous theatrical collaboration, Susan Glaspell arranged for the first ever reading of a play by what famed playwright?
(a) Eugene O’Neill
(b) Edward Albee
(c) Samuel Beckett
(d) Norman Mailer

5. In what year was John Hossack murdered?
(a) 1798
(b) 1916
(c) 1900
(d) 1885

Short Answer Questions

1. How many articles did Susan Glaspell write as a reporter that covered the John Hossack murder case?

2. For how many months did Susan Glaspell cover the John Hossack murder case?

3. Who was accused of the murder of John Hossack?

4. According to the Introduction, who played the role of Henry Peters in the original production of Trifles?

5. Where did the trial for John Hossack’s murder take place?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Mr. Hale stop at the Wrights' property the previous day?

2. How does Trifles differ from episodic dramas or climactic plays?

3. How does Mrs. Hale recall Mrs. Wright? What can the reader/audience discern of Mrs. Wright’s character by Mrs. Hale’s recollections?

4. When was Susan Glaspell inspired to write Trifles? Who encouraged her to write it and why?

5. Who does Mr. Hale call inside after Mrs. Wright tells him Mr. Wright is dead? What did they find?

6. When and where was Trifles first performed?

7. What indicates the time period of the narrative?

8. What does Mrs. Wright tell Mr. Hale about who murdered her husband? Who has she notified of his death?

9. What passing comment of Mr. Hale's reveals information about the Wrights’ relationship?

10. What theatrical group did Susan Glaspell help found? Where was it originated?

(see the answer keys)

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