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

3. When did Susan Glaspell marry George Cram Cook?

4. According to the Introduction, during what years did Susan Glaspell work as a reporter for the Des Moines News?

5. Who portrayed Lewis Hale in the original production of Trifles?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who goes for help after discovering Mr. Wright's body? What does Mr. Hale discuss with Mrs. Wright?

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

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

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

5. How does Trifles reflect “local color” in its style and narrative?

6. When and where was Trifles first performed?

7. How is the Wright property described?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the foreshadowing from the opening scene in the narrative. What clue does the reader gain for future events in the story? How does the author highlight foreshadowing?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Analyze and discuss the relationship between the women in the narrative. How does the relationship develop? Why do the women gain sympathy for Mrs. Wright through the second half of the story?

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