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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. In what year was John Hossack murdered?

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

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

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

5. According to the Introduction, who played the role of Henry Peters in the original production of Trifles?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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 describe when he knocks at the Wrights' door the previous day?

6. Why does Mr. Hale stop at the Wrights' property the previous day?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define and analyze the theme of female loyalty in the narrative. What actions of the women reinforce this theme? Are their actions driven by the male characters? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Define and identify the imagery used in Trifles. How does the use of simile give the reader a better understanding of Mr. and Mrs. Wright? What metaphors are presented in the play? How do they reflect the play’s themes?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the details of the Hossack murder trial. Where did the trial take place and in what capacity was Susan Glaspell involved? How did the trial influence her writing in Trifles? What elements of the story were changed?

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