Trifles: The Rise of Modern Feminism on the Stage, Part 2 — Quiz
Question 17 • English Language Arts 11
Read the excerpt from part two of Trifles . COUNTY ATTORNEY (facetiously) : Well, Henry, at least we found out that she was not going to quilt it. She was going to—what is it you call it, ladies! MRS. HALE (her hand against her pocket) : We call it—knot it, Mr. Henderson. How is this excerpt an example of irony?
Answer
A
A show of interest in the quilt on the men’s behalf was a sudden twist of what would normally be expected.
B
It appeared as though Mrs. Hale was answering the question, but she actually meant something quite different with her response.
C
The lighthearted and humorous tone of the County Attorney is the opposite of what you would expect during a situation like this.
D
The County Attorney appeared to be asking a question about the quilt, but he was actually asking another question entirely.
Explanation
The County Attorney asks how the women describe what Mrs. Wright planned to do with the quilt. Mrs. Hale answers “knot it,” which sounds like a response about quilting but also hints that the women have concealed evidence connected to the case. Her words have a different, unspoken meaning beyond the answer the County Attorney expects, making this an example of irony. Choice B describes that double meaning.
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