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

2. 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 electric chair
(d) Death by hanging

3. According to the Introduction, what weapon was used to kill John Hossack?
(a) An axe
(b) A knife
(c) A gun
(d) A rope

4. Where did the trial for John Hossack’s murder take place?
(a) St. Paul, Minnesota
(b) Albany, New York
(c) Indianola, Iowa
(d) Chicago, Illinois

5. Who portrayed Lewis Hale in the original production of Trifles?
(a) Alexander Hampton
(b) Andrew Stabler
(c) George Cram Cook
(d) Gino Chelakis

Short Answer Questions

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

2. As a founding member of a famous theatrical collaboration, Susan Glaspell arranged for the first ever reading of a play by what famed playwright?

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

4. When was Trifles first performed?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What indicates the time period of the narrative?

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

3. How was Susan Glaspell involved in the murder trial that she later based Trifles on? What were her feelings about the trial?

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

5. How does Mrs. Wright inform Mr. Hale of her husband's location and means of death?

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

7. How is the theme of gender roles defined in the plot of the play?

8. What does Mrs. Wright do when Mr. Hale attempts to make small talk?

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

10. How is the Wright property described?

(see the answer keys)

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