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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who was accused of the murder of John Hossack?

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

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

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Trifles differ from episodic dramas or climactic plays?

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

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

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

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

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

8. What theatrical group did Susan Glaspell help found? Where was it originated?

9. How is the Wright property described?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the objectives of each character and the actions taken to achieve those objectives. What does Mr. Henderson want to find in the home? Why does he abandon the kitchen?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the relationship between Sheriff Peters and Mrs. Peters in comparison to the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Hale. What are the similarities? What are the differences?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the character of Mrs. Peters and her relationship to the other characters. What are some of Mrs. Peters’ characteristics? What is Mrs. Peters' objective in the story? What actions does the author commit to forward those objectives?

(see the answer keys)

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