Practice Test

Question 7 • American Literature and Composition

In part two of Trifles , what symbolic impact is made when Susan Glaspell includes quilting as a part of Mrs. Wright’s lifestyle?

Answer

It characterizes Mrs. Wright as someone who truly enjoyed the domestic duties expected of women during this time.

It casts doubt on the idea that Mrs. Wright could have killed her husband by making her appear innocent and content.

It heightens the tension by creating a scene of domestic bliss that would conflict with the murder being investigated.

It reinforces the idea that Mrs. Wright fulfilled many of the roles considered common for women during this time.

Explanation

Quilting connects Mrs. Wright to the domestic work traditionally expected of women in her time. In the play, the quilt and the unfinished sewing also give the women clues about her life and state of mind, rather than proving she enjoyed those duties or was innocent. So the strongest symbolic impact is that quilting reinforces the common gender roles Mrs. Wright was expected to fulfill.

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