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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. Who played the role of George Henderson in the original production of Trifles?
(a) James Warner
(b) Madison Dirks
(c) Andrew Vestile
(d) Michael Hulgan

2. When was Trifles first performed?
(a) September 25, 1919
(b) March 12, 1885
(c) August 8, 1916
(d) July 15, 1901

3. Where did the trial for John Hossack’s murder take place?
(a) St. Paul, Minnesota
(b) Chicago, Illinois
(c) Albany, New York
(d) Indianola, Iowa

4. According to the Introduction, during what years did Susan Glaspell work as a reporter for the Des Moines News?
(a) 1888-1895
(b) 1798-1805
(c) 1880-1882
(d) 1899-1901

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

Short Answer Questions

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

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

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

4. In what year was John Hossack murdered?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the outcome of the murder trial upon which the events in Trifles are based?

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

3. How is the Wright property described?

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

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

6. What indicates the time period of the narrative?

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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