Instructions:

1. Read Trifles (Abcarian 963-975)
2. Answer the eight (8) “For Analysis” questions on Abcarian 975-976.

“For Analysis” Questions:

1. What is the meaning of the title? Glaspell titled a short-story version of the play “A Jury of Her Peers.” Is that a better title than Trifles? Explain.
2. What are the major differences between Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters?
3. At one point, Mrs. Peters tells Mrs. Hale a childhood story about a boy who killed her kitten. Why is she reminded of this event? What does it tell us about her reaction to the Wrights’ marriage?
4. Which of the two women undergoes the most noticeable character development? Explain.
5. In what ways do the relationships between the two couples–Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, and Henry Peters and Lewis Hale–change by the end of the play?
6. Do Henry Peters and Lewis Hale change in the course of the play?
7. Why are the men unable to see the clues that become obvious to the women?
8. Can you suggest why Mrs. Wright is the only one identified by her birth name?

II. 

1. Watch the following staging of Trifles:

2. After watching the staging of Trifles above, reply to this discussion post and describe how the video you watched compared to how you imagined the play while you were reading. Remember, when we read dramas we need to read like directors.

Here are some things to consider:

• How did you picture the setting? The characters?
• Pay attention to the blocking (the characters’ physical movements and proximity to each other). 
• Which scenes were significant in the play? Did the actors interpret them in the way that you imagined?
• What were some key similarities and differences between what you imagined while reading in comparison to what you saw in the video.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1LGwPFeSz8