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

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

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

4. What sentence was the murder suspect given for the murder of John Hossack?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What indicates the time period of the narrative?

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

8. What is revealed about the characters through their dialogue and language?

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

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

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

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 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?

(see the answer keys)

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