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

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

3. For how many months did Susan Glaspell cover the John Hossack murder case?

4. When was Trifles first performed?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What indicates the time period of the narrative?

2. What genre does the play Trifles fall into? Why?

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

4. How is the Wright property described?

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

6. How does Mrs. Hale recall Mrs. Wright? What can the reader/audience discern of Mrs. Wright’s character by Mrs. Hale’s recollections?

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

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

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

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

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 details of the Hossack murder trial. Where did the trial take place and in what capacity was Susan Glaspell involved? How did the trial influence her writing in Trifles? What elements of the story were changed?

Essay Topic 3

Define and analyze the theme of guilt in the narrative. What character is racked with guilt and why? In what different ways does “guilt” apply to the story? Is Minnie Wright guilty? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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