View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When did Susan Glaspell marry George Cram Cook?

2. As a founding member of a famous theatrical collaboration, Susan Glaspell arranged for the first ever reading of a play by what famed playwright?

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

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

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What information does Mr. Hale reveal about Mr. Wright’s character through his interview with the Sheriff and County Attorney?

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

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

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

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

6. How is the kitchen staging set up? Where are the entrances and exits?

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

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

9. What indicates the time period of the narrative?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss the character of Minnie Wright in comparison to Margaret Hossack. How, in the articles about the Hossack trial, was Margaret Hossack described? What was Margaret Hossack’s sentence? How does this relate to the play?

Essay Topic 2

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 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)

This section contains 829 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample