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

2. Who played the role of George Henderson in the original production of Trifles?

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

4. What important theatrical collaboration did Susan Glaspell and George Cram Cook found?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Trifles contains several important symbols. What are some of the important symbols in Trifles? How does Glaspell use these symbols to propel the plot and convey deeper levels of meaning about her characters or themes?

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

Describe the use of exposition in A Jury of Her Peers. In a linear plot, where does the exposition generally fall in a story? How does this traditional plot structure apply to Trifles?

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