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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. According to the stage directions in the opening of the play, what is Henry Peters’ profession?
(a) Farmer
(b) Sheriff
(c) County Judge
(d) County Attorney

2. Mrs. Hale tells Mrs. Peters, “If I was you, I wouldn’t tell her” what?
(a) About the canary
(b) Her fruit was gone
(c) About the investigation
(d) Her bread was gone

3. As the men reenter from upstairs, George Henderson remarks, “But you know juries when it comes to” what?
(a) Men
(b) Abuse
(c) Women
(d) Housewives

4. Of what does Mrs. Peters say, “They’re superstitious, you know. They leave”?
(a) Butterflies
(b) Birds
(c) Cats
(d) Dogs

5. When talking with Mrs. Peters, what does Mrs. Hale say her sister’s name is?
(a) Bessie
(b) Sarah
(c) Marie
(d) Betty

Short Answer Questions

1. In the narrative, Mrs. Peters says, “Somehow we just don’t see how it is with other folks until” what?

2. Mrs. Hale remarks that Mr. Wright did not do what?

3. What character says, “I’d hate to have men coming into my kitchen, snooping around and criticizing”?

4. What character in the play is based on the real-life figure of Margaret Hossack?

5. What is the name of the short story that Susan Glaspell adapted Trifles into?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Mrs. Hale remark to Mrs. Peters about the lack of children in the home and Mr. Wright's personality?

2. What do the two women remark about the birdcage when they discover it?

3. What causes Mr. Hale to backtrack in his description of Mrs. Wright's demeanor in his interview with the County Attorney?

4. When George Henderson asks if Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Wright had been friends, how does Mrs. Hale reply?

5. How does Mrs. Peters attempt to maintain objectiveness with Mrs. Hale when she concludes Minnie's innocence?

6. What memory of brutal loss does Mrs. Peters share from her childhood?

7. What leads the women to discover the pretty box in Mrs. Wright's sewing basket?

8. What leads Mr. Henderson to the conclusion that Mrs. Wright is a bad housekeeper?

9. How does Trifles reflect women’s roles during Susan Glaspell’s lifetime?

10. What does Mrs. Hale do with the stitching on the quilt? What is Mrs. Peters' response?

(see the answer keys)

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