(HALE goes outside. The SHERIFF follows the COUNTY ATTORNEY into the other room. Then MRS HALE rises, hands tight together, looking intensely at MRS PETERS, whose eyes make a slow turn, finally meeting MRS HALE’s. A moment MRS HALE holds her, then her own eyes point the way to where the box is concealed. Suddenly MRS PETERS throws back quilt pieces and tries to put the box in the bag she is wearing. It is too big. She opens box, starts to take bird out, cannot touch it, goes to pieces, stands there helpless. Sound of a knob turning in the other room. MRS HALE snatches the box and puts it in the pocket of her big coat. Enter COUNTY ATTORNEY and SHERIFF.)

Question

—Trifles, Susan Glaspell

Which medium (print, audio, stage, or film) do you think would best interpret this passage? Support your answer with two examples.

Answer 1

The passage from "Trifles" by Susan Glaspell would be best interpreted through the stage medium. Here are two examples to support this choice:

1. Physical Proximity and Tension: The stage allows for the portrayal of physical proximity and the tension between the characters in real-time. The actions of MRS HALE and MRS PETERS, as they interact with each other and the concealed box, create an intimate atmosphere that can be vividly conveyed through live performance. The slow eye contact and hurried movements underscore their emotional state, which can be heightened by the actors’ physical expressions and the audience's real-time reactions.

2. Symbolism of Space and Silence: The staging of the scene can emphasize the symbolism of the domestic space and the underlying themes of gender roles and oppression. The physical setting can magnify the contrasts between the men (the COUNTY ATTORNEY and SHERIFF) and the women (MRS HALE and MRS PETERS), reinforcing the notion of respect and disregard for women's perspectives. By blocking the characters’ movements in the confined space, the stage can accentuate moments of silence and subtle gestures, making the emotional weight of the scene more palpable as the audience witnesses the slow, fraught decisions being made.

Together, these aspects create a dynamic and immersive experience that captures the psychological complexity of the characters and their circumstances.

Answer 2

make gosh darn paragraph

Answer 3

The passage from "Trifles" by Susan Glaspell is best interpreted through the stage medium due to its focus on physical proximity and emotional tension. In this moment, the interactions between MRS HALE and MRS PETERS are rich with subtext, and the live performance allows actors to convey the intensity of their relationship through real-time actions and expressions. For instance, the eye contact and hurried movements emphasizing their desperation enhance the emotional stakes, creating an immersive experience for the audience. Furthermore, the staging can highlight the symbolism of domestic space and the overarching themes of gender roles and oppression. By thoughtfully blocking the scene, the director can accentuate the contrasts between the men and the women, illustrating the men’s disregard for the women’s insights. This spatial dynamic, combined with the character's subtle gestures and moments of silence, deepens the emotional impact of the narrative, making the audience acutely aware of the tension and complexity of the characters' decisions. Overall, the stage medium effectively captures the nuanced psychological landscape of "Trifles."

Answer 4

a SHORT paragraph

Answer 5

The passage from "Trifles" by Susan Glaspell is best interpreted on stage because it relies heavily on the physical interactions and emotional tension between the characters. The live performance can vividly convey the intimate moments and silent exchanges between MRS HALE and MRS PETERS as they navigate the weight of their shared secret. Additionally, the staging allows for the symbolism of the domestic space to be highlighted, emphasizing the contrast between the men and women while showcasing the oppressive gender dynamics at play. This immediate and dynamic interaction effectively immerses the audience in the characters' psychological struggles.

Answer 6

Which medium did you choose as your answer to the last question?

print

audio

stage

film

Answer 7

I chose stage as the medium that would best interpret the passage from "Trifles" by Susan Glaspell.

Answer 8

Which of the following did you include in your answer? Check any of the boxes that apply.

reasons why one medium will be better to use for this passage

an explanation of how the setting will be portrayed or described

an explanation of how the characters will be developed

an explanation of how the stage directions will be used, if at all

Answer 9

In my answer, I included the following:

• Reasons why one medium will be better to use for this passage: I explained how the physical interactions and emotional tension are effectively conveyed through live performance.
• An explanation of how the setting will be portrayed or described: I mentioned that the staging highlights the symbolism of domestic space and emphasizes gender dynamics.

I did not specifically explain how the characters would be developed or how stage directions would be used.