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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) Michael Hulgan
(b) James Warner
(c) Andrew Vestile
(d) Madison Dirks

2. What sentence was the murder suspect given for the murder of John Hossack?
(a) 25 years in prison
(b) Life in prison
(c) Death by hanging
(d) Death by electric chair

3. Who portrayed Lewis Hale in the original production of Trifles?
(a) Andrew Stabler
(b) Alexander Hampton
(c) Gino Chelakis
(d) George Cram Cook

4. 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) Norman Mailer
(b) Eugene O’Neill
(c) Samuel Beckett
(d) Edward Albee

5. According to the Introduction, what weapon was used to kill John Hossack?
(a) A rope
(b) A gun
(c) An axe
(d) A knife

Short Answer Questions

1. According to the Introduction, where was Trifles first performed?

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

3. When did Susan Glaspell marry George Cram Cook?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does the theme of guilt apply to Mrs. Hale?

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

6. Who goes for help after discovering Mr. Wright's body? What does Mr. Hale discuss with Mrs. Wright?

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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