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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. According to the Introduction, what weapon was used to kill John Hossack?

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

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

4. In what year was John Hossack murdered?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. How does Mrs. Wright inform Mr. Hale of her husband's location and means of death?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the character of Mr. Henderson and his role in the narrative. What threat does Mr. Henderson pose to Minnie Wright? What threat does he pose to Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale? What is Mr. Henderson's intention in his investigation?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the character of Mrs. Peters and her relationship to the other characters. What are some of Mrs. Peters’ characteristics? What is Mrs. Peters' objective in the story? What actions does the author commit to forward those objectives?

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