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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. For how many months did Susan Glaspell cover the John Hossack murder case?
(a) 16
(b) 4
(c) 30
(d) 20

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

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. When did Susan Glaspell marry George Cram Cook?

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

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

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What themes are central in the play? Which characters are the focus of the play?

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

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

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

7. When and where was Trifles first performed?

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

9. Why has Trifles been associated with feminist writing and theory?

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

(see the answer keys)

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