a.) What does Mrs. Jones mean when she says that “shoes got by devilish ways will burn your feet”?
b.) Why do you think Roger can’t say “thank you” to Mrs. Jones as he is leaving?
c.) Write a thesis statement for the following quote:
“Happiness is a direction, not a place.” Sydney J. Harris
*2). Analyze the author’s meaning by analyzing characterization and plot in Trifles by Susan Glaspel
a.) For each of the main characters in the play (add or subtract rows if you need to), find a quote or two that seems to capture that character’s nature or, well, character.
b.) Name of character #1 and quote(s):
c.) Name of character #2 and quote(s):
d.) Name of character #3 and quote(s):
e.) Name of character #4 and quote(s):
f.) Name of character #5 and quote(s):
g.) Taken together, what do those quotes tell you about the author’s message or the meaning of the work as a whole?
h.) How do the details of the plot support your answer to the previous question?
i.) For each major character, write a “somebody wanted but so” statement, e.g., wanted , but , so .
j.) Statement for character #1:
K.) Statement for character #2:
l.) Statement for character #3:
m.) Statement for character #4:
n.) Statement for character #5:
o.) Taken together, what do these plot devices tell you about the author’s message or the meaning of the work as a whole?
p.) Using the above, what might be a solid, arguable thesis statement about the author’s message in the play?
*3.) Provide textual evidence for each of your answers on Trifles.
a.) Characterize John Wright.
b.) Characterize Minnie Foster before her marriage to John Wright, and after her marriage.
c.) Characterize the canary.
d.) How is the canary kept, and what happened to it?
e.) What incident in Mrs. Hale’s past makes her feel sympathetic toward Mrs. Wright?
f.) What incident in Mrs. Peters’ past makes her feel sympathetic toward Mrs. Wright?
g.) Put together the case. What happened to John Wright, and why did it happen?
h.) The title of the short story upon which this play is based was “A Jury of Her Peers.” Is that a fitting title? Why or why not?
I.) Is Trifles a fitting title for the play? Why or why not?
Sample Solution
