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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. 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) Edward Albee
(b) Eugene O’Neill
(c) Norman Mailer
(d) Samuel Beckett

2. Who was accused of the murder of John Hossack?
(a) Muriel Hossack
(b) Sarah Hossack
(c) Emily Hossack
(d) Margaret Hossack

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

4. What sentence was the murder suspect given for the murder of John Hossack?
(a) Death by electric chair
(b) 25 years in prison
(c) Life in prison
(d) Death by hanging

5. How many articles did Susan Glaspell write as a reporter that covered the John Hossack murder case?
(a) 10
(b) 15
(c) 26
(d) 35

Short Answer Questions

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

2. According to the Introduction, where was Trifles first performed?

3. According to the Introduction, during what years did Susan Glaspell work as a reporter for the Des Moines News?

4. Who portrayed Lewis Hale in the original production of Trifles?

5. In what year was John Hossack murdered?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the outcome of the murder trial upon which the events in Trifles are based?

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

3. Upon what historic murder trial are the events in Trifles based?

4. Who goes for help after discovering Mr. Wright's body? What does Mr. Hale discuss with Mrs. Wright?

5. How is the Wright property described?

6. What is revealed about the characters through their dialogue and language?

7. How does Henry Peters begin the investigation after arriving at the Wright home? What does Mr. Henderson interrupt to ask?

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

9. What does Mr. Hale respond when questioned about how Mrs. Wright appears when he arrives the previous day?

10. How does Trifles reflect “local color” in its style and narrative?

(see the answer keys)

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