Susan Glaspell's Trifles Overview

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Questions and Answers

When did the County Attorney arrive to investigate the scene?

The text does not specify (correct)
Sometime after the men left for a party phone
Yesterday afternoon
Early in the morning

What is the County Attorney's initial concern about the crime scene?

He is concerned that the women are not cooperating with the investigation.
He is concerned that the Sheriff has not secured the crime scene.
He is worried about the cold weather and wants to get the investigation started.
He is worried that evidence has been tampered with. (correct)

Why did Mr. Hale go to John Wright's house that morning?

He wanted to invite John Wright to a social gathering.
He wanted to ask John Wright to join a party telephone line. (correct)
He was concerned about the family's well-being because of the cold weather.
He wanted to discuss a possible business venture with John Wright.

What is the significance of the mention of 'folks talked too much'?

It highlights John Wright's desire for privacy. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Sheriff unable to leave someone at the house the previous day?

He had to go to Morris Center to deal with a mentally unstable individual. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the door mentioned in the text?

This is the door where Mr. Hale entered the house. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the County Attorney react to Mr. Hale's description of the events?

He shows impatience and interrupts Mr. Hale's narrative. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall mood established in this excerpt?

One of suspense as the mystery of Mrs. Wright's whereabouts unfolds. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason Hale is surprised by Mrs. Wright's reaction to his arrival?

He expected her to be more emotional and upset. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does Hale initially interpret Mrs. Wright's laughter?

He finds it unsettling and unnatural. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason Hale says, "I thought of Harry and the team outside"?

He is aware of the seriousness of the situation and needs to act quickly. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does Hale imply about Mrs. Wright's attitude towards her husband when he says "She didn’t pay much attention."?

She was indifferent to John's presence. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason Harry stops Hale from removing the rope from John Wright’s neck?

He wants to preserve the crime scene for investigation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason Mrs. Wright does not know who killed her husband?

She genuinely does not know. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Wright's continued pleating of her apron signify?

She is engaging in a repetitive action to calm herself. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason Harry questions Mrs. Wright about her knowledge of the events?

He is suspicious of Mrs. Wright's behavior and her claim of ignorance. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main contrast being established between the women's conversation and the men's investigation?

The women are more concerned with the emotional impact of the crime, while the men are focused on finding evidence. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the bird symbolize in the play?

The bird symbolizes the victim's innocence. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Hale's statement, "We live close together and we live far apart," reveal about her perspective on women's lives?

Women experience similar challenges, but they can feel isolated and misunderstood. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Mrs. Peters's response, 'I know what stillness is,' when Mrs. Hale mentions the bird?

Mrs. Peters is drawing a parallel between the death of her child and the death of John Wright. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Mrs. Hale hiding the fruit jar?

Mrs. Hale is trying to protect Minnie Foster from further accusation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mrs. Hale describe Minnie Foster's singing as a "crime"?

Mrs. Hale believes that Minnie's singing was a way of hiding her true feelings. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the play present the concept of justice?

The play suggests that justice should be based on empathy and understanding, not just legal outcomes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What role does gender play in the play's portrayal of the characters?

The play highlights the differences in how men and women perceive justice and morality. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the County Attorney initially find confusing about the crime scene?

The lack of a clear motive for the murder (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the County Attorney's comment about the sheriff's wife being 'married to the law' reveal about his perspective?

He has a condescending view of women's roles in society. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mrs. Hale's behavior change when the County Attorney and Sheriff enter the room?

She becomes concerned about being accused of the crime herself. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the box that Mrs. Peters tries to hide?

It symbolizes the women's desire to protect the home. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mrs. Hale say the box is for 'knotting' instead of quilting?

She is deliberately concealing the truth from the County Attorney. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the overall tone of the passage?

Suspenseful (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do the women in the play differ from the men?

The women are more empathetic and understanding of the victim. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the play suggest about the societal roles and pressures faced by women in early 20th Century America?

Women were expected to be submissive to men and were often denied basic rights. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Hale suggest is the reason for Mrs. Wright's unusual sewing?

She was tired. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Peters suggest is the reason for the broken birdcage?

A cat got into the cage. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What phrase does Mrs. Peters use that suggests she is uncomfortable with their actions?

I don’t think we ought to touch things (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main conflict between Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters at the beginning of the excerpt?

They disagree on how to handle the investigation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does Mrs. Hale demonstrate her understanding of Mrs. Wright's personality?

By relating her to her own sister. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What do Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters' actions in the excerpt reveal about their relationship?

They are acquaintances who are slowly building trust (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is Mrs. Peters concerned about the men in the house?

She thinks they might misjudge Mrs. Wright. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall tone of the excerpt?

Suspicious (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason Mr. Henderson believes a 'motive' is crucial to the case?

To prove the suspect had the intent to commit the crime. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What action does Mrs. Hale take that suggests her suspicion of Mrs. Wright's guilt?

She questions the lack of evidence of anger in the house, subtly suggesting Mrs. Wright's cold-bloodedness. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale feel abashed?

They are embarrassed by the men's laughter at their interest in the quilt. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does Mrs. Hale's perspective on the law differ from Mrs. Peters'?

Mrs. Hale is skeptical of the law's application to Mrs. Wright, while Mrs. Peters accepts it unconditionally. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What symbolic meaning can be associated with the quilt Mrs. Wright was piecing together?

A metaphor for the fragmented nature of her life and the mystery surrounding her. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the contrasting descriptions of Mrs. Wright's actions in the beginning of the play and her actions as described by the men?

It suggests that the men's interpretation of Mrs. Wright's actions is inaccurate and misleading. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why might the Sheriff be interested in the information regarding the quilt?

It offers a glimpse into the victim's personality and potential connection to the crime. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the mention of the gun in the house contribute to the overall tension of the play?

It implies potential violence and suggests a history of conflict in the household. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Mrs. Wright

The central character who appears disoriented and distressed.

Rocking back and forth

A physical action that indicates anxiety or distress.