In "Trifles," Glaspell's use of stage directions to describe women reinforces their marginalization in a male-dominated society, emphasizing their relegation to domestic roles and lack of voice. However, this approach also subverts traditional roles, as their insights and solidarity lead them to uncover crucial evidence that the men dismiss. By focusing on what the men consider "trifles," the women reveal their intelligence and emotional depth, challenging the notion that their concerns are insignificant and highlighting their critical role in understanding the central issues of the play.

Question

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

The lack of dialogue emphasizes women’s lack of voice and power.

The specific stage directions highlight that the women are underestimated by the men.

The lack of dialogue shows the lack of communication between men and women at the time.

The stage directions suggest that the silenced women speak through subtle but important actions.

Answer 1

Based on your provided answer, the following boxes can be checked:

• The specific stage directions highlight that the women are underestimated by the men.
• The stage directions suggest that the silenced women speak through subtle but important actions.

You did not explicitly mention the lack of dialogue emphasizing women’s lack of voice and power or the lack of dialogue showing the lack of communication between men and women at the time, so those boxes would not be checked.

Answer 2

Read the passage and highlight the clues that say something about Mrs. Wright.

HALE: Why, I don't think she minded — one way or other. She didn't pay much attention. I said, "How do, Mrs. Wright, it's cold, ain't it?" And she said, "Is it?" — and went on kind of pleating at her apron. Well, I was surprised; she didn't ask me to come up to the stove, or to set down, but just sat there, not even looking at me, so I said, "I want to see John." And then she — laughed. I guess you would call it a laugh.

—Trifles, Susan Glaspell

Answer 3

In this passage, there are several clues that offer insights into Mrs. Wright's character and state of mind:

1. Indifference to Weather: Mrs. Wright's response to Hale's comment about the cold, "Is it?", suggests a sense of detachment or lack of engagement with her surroundings. This indicates that she may not have much interest in the outside world or social interaction.

2. Absence of Hospitality: The fact that she did not invite Hale to come closer to the stove or to sit down highlights her isolation. It suggests that she may be withdrawn or preoccupied with her own thoughts or struggles.

3. Focus on the Apron: The detail about her "pleating at her apron" indicates a nervous or fidgety behavior, which can imply that she is uncomfortable or anxious. It reflects a domestic role but also suggests a deeper emotional state.

4. Laughter: Hale mentions that Mrs. Wright "laughed" when he said he wanted to see her husband, but describes it as a laugh that seems peculiar ("I guess you would call it a laugh"). This evokes a sense of irony or sadness, hinting that her laughter may not be genuine joy but rather a response to a grim reality.

Overall, these clues collectively paint a picture of Mrs. Wright as a lonely, possibly troubled woman whose demeanor reflects her isolation and the emotional weight of her circumstances.

Answer 4

MRS HALE: (looking about) It never seemed a very cheerful place.

COUNTY ATTORNEY: No — it's not cheerful. I shouldn't say she had the homemaking instinct.

MRS HALE: Well, I don't know as Wright had, either.

COUNTY ATTORNEY: You mean that they didn't get on very well?

MRS HALE: No, I don't mean anything. But I don’t think a place'd be any cheerfuller for John Wright's being in it.

—Trifles, Susan Glaspell

How does this dialogue develop Mrs. Wright’s possible motivation for killing her husband?

The dialogue suggests that Mr. Wright was constantly unhappy.

The dialogue suggests that Mrs. Wright may have desired to escape her unhappy marriage.

The dialogue suggests that Mrs. Wright may have wanted to prove her abilities.

The dialogue suggests that Mrs. Wright may have wanted to assert her independence.

Answer 5

The dialogue primarily suggests the following motivations for Mrs. Wright's actions regarding her husband:

1. The dialogue suggests that Mr. Wright was constantly unhappy. - This is implied in the discussion about the lack of cheerfulness in their home, which can reflect Mr. Wright's demeanor as well.

2. The dialogue suggests that Mrs. Wright may have desired to escape her unhappy marriage. - Mrs. Hale's comments about the cheerfulness of the home and her hints at Mrs. Wright's dissatisfaction indicate that she may have felt trapped or unhappy in her marriage.

3. The dialogue suggests that Mrs. Wright may have wanted to assert her independence. - Although not directly stated, the conversation hints at Mrs. Wright's desire for autonomy and possibly a longing to break free from the constraints of her life with Mr. Wright.

The option regarding proving her abilities is not explicitly supported by this dialogue. Overall, the most relevant implications from this excerpt emphasize Mrs. Wright's unhappiness in her marriage and her desire for independence. Thus, the first three options can be supported by the dialogue.

Answer 6

pick one you idiot

Answer 7

I apologize for the confusion. Based on the dialogue, the best choice regarding Mrs. Wright's possible motivation for killing her husband would be:

The dialogue suggests that Mrs. Wright may have desired to escape her unhappy marriage.

This choice reflects Mrs. Hale's comments about the lack of cheerfulness in the home and implies Mrs. Wright's dissatisfaction with her marriage to John Wright. Thank you for your patience!