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

2. According to the Introduction, during what years did Susan Glaspell work as a reporter for the Des Moines News?
(a) 1888-1895
(b) 1798-1805
(c) 1899-1901
(d) 1880-1882

3. According to the Introduction, who played the role of Henry Peters in the original production of Trifles?
(a) Mark Whitburg
(b) Robert Conville
(c) Preston Lorio
(d) James Harris

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

5. According to the Introduction, where was Trifles first performed?
(a) The Oak Park Theater
(b) The St. James Theatre
(c) The Lucille Lortel Theater
(d) The Wharf Theatre

Short Answer Questions

1. According to the Introduction, what weapon was used to kill John Hossack?

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

3. Where was the theatrical collaboration that Susan Glaspell and George Cram Cook formed originated?

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?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. When and where was Trifles first performed?

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

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

5. What does Mrs. Wright reply when Mr. Hale tells her that he wants to see Mr. Wright?

6. How is the Wright property described?

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

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

9. How is the kitchen staging set up? Where are the entrances and exits?

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

(see the answer keys)

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