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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. As a founding member of a famous theatrical collaboration, Susan Glaspell arranged for the first ever reading of a play by what famed playwright?
(a) Eugene O’Neill
(b) Norman Mailer
(c) Samuel Beckett
(d) Edward Albee

2. How many articles did Susan Glaspell write as a reporter that covered the John Hossack murder case?
(a) 10
(b) 35
(c) 15
(d) 26

3. According to the Introduction, who played the role of Henry Peters in the original production of Trifles?
(a) James Harris
(b) Preston Lorio
(c) Mark Whitburg
(d) Robert Conville

4. According to the Introduction, where was Trifles first performed?
(a) The St. James Theatre
(b) The Wharf Theatre
(c) The Oak Park Theater
(d) The Lucille Lortel Theater

5. When did Susan Glaspell marry George Cram Cook?
(a) 1913
(b) 1919
(c) 1885
(d) 1916

Short Answer Questions

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

2. In what year was John Hossack murdered?

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

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does Henry Peters begin the investigation after arriving at the Wright home? What does Mr. Henderson interrupt to ask?

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. How is the Wright property described?

(see the answer keys)

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