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

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

3. What character did Susan Glaspell portray in the original production of Trifles?

4. In what year was John Hossack murdered?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What was the outcome of the murder trial upon which the events in Trifles are based?

3. Who does Mr. Hale call inside after Mrs. Wright tells him Mr. Wright is dead? What did they find?

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

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

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

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

8. What does Mr. Hale describe when he knocks at the Wrights' door the previous day?

9. What indicates the time period of the narrative?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define and analyze the theme of female loyalty in the narrative. What actions of the women reinforce this theme? Are their actions driven by the male characters? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the character of John Wright and different qualities that lead the reader to believe Mrs. Wright killed him. Is the murder justified given the circumstances? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Define and identify the imagery used in Trifles. How does the use of simile give the reader a better understanding of Mr. and Mrs. Wright? What metaphors are presented in the play? How do they reflect the play’s themes?

(see the answer keys)

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