Trifles: The Rise of Modern Feminism on the Stage, Part 1

Question 1

Based on the stage directions, which of the following best describes the setting of the play?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

a long-deserted plot of land in the country in early spring

Question 2

What does this stage direction tell you about the county attorney?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

He can’t believe that Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale touched the pans.

Question 3

How does this stage direction help the reader?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

X by describing the setting

Question 4

What does the word arranges mean in this stage direction?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

“places in proper order”

Question 5

The women are often described through stage directions rather than through dialogue. How does this reinforce the role of women in Glaspell’s time? How does it go against the role of women?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

The use of stage directions instead of dialogue reinforces the traditional role of women by highlighting their lack of voice and social power in Glaspell’s time, depicting them as secondary to the men. However, it also goes against these roles by using stage directions to show that the women are observant, intelligent, and capable. While they are silenced verbally, their subtle actions and decisions reveal they are underestimating the men just as much as they are being underestimated, allowing them to exert control over the outcome of the investigation.

Question 6

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

Revolt · Accepted Answer

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.

Trifles: The Rise of Modern Feminism on the Stage, Part 1 Answers

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