Name:
Block:
Date:
“TRIFLES” STUDY GUIDE
Definitions: Look up the following words and define them.
trifles
Why do you think this play is entitled “Trifles”?
knot stitch (knit stitch, knotted stitch)
Why is a knot stitch important to this play?
Setting: Copy details that describe the setting.
General
Specific
Details
Evidence
farmhouse
temps. drop below 0
inside
winter
1
Characters: For each character below, attempt to collect as much evidence about them as you
can.
Name
What They Say
What They Do
What They Think
County Attorney
(Mr. Henderson)
Sheriff
(Mr. Peters)
Mr. Hale
Mrs. Peters
Mrs. Hale
Mrs. Wright
Mr. Wright
2
Objects: Locate the following “household” objects in the play. Note their function, and why or
how they may be significant.
Object
Function (real world)
Function (in play)
Why is it there?
Apron
Rocking Chair
Small Chair in
the Corner
Unwashed
Towel
Dirty
Dishes/Table
3
Bread
Fruit on Shelf
Quilt
Birdcage
Bird
4
Conflicts: Look back at your character and object charts—can you see any links between the
two? How do certain characters interact with each other?
Conflict
Evidence from text
(Quote?)
How this is proof of
the conflict
Why is it important?
Mr. Wright vs.
Mr. Wright
Mrs. Hale vs.
Mr. Wright
Mrs. Hale/
Mrs. Peters vs.
men
Mrs. Peters vs.
Society (the law,
duty)
Mrs. Hale vs.
herself
5
Name:
Block:
Date:
“Trifles”
Motifs: Examine the following motifs. Use them to create three themes. Find four quotations
to support EACH of the three chosen themes. Write them down and include the page number.
Bullet some ideas about why the quote is significant.
MOTIFS:
friendship
home
disillusionment
gender roles
belonging
Theme #1:
Quote #1:
Why is this quote important? What does it
show?
Page #: _________
Quote #2:
Why is this quote important? What does it
show?
Page #: _________
Quote #3:
Why is this quote important? What does it
show?
Page #: _________
Quote #4:
Why is this quote important? What does it
show?
Page #: _________
6
Theme #2:
Quote #1:
Why is this quote important? What does it
show?
Page #: _________
Quote #2:
Why is this quote important? What does it
show?
Page #: _________
Quote #3:
Why is this quote important? What does it
show?
Page #: _________
Quote #4:
Why is this quote important? What does it
show?
Page #: _________
7
Theme #3:
Quote #1:
Why is this quote important? What does it
show?
Page #: _________
Quote #2:
Why is this quote important? What does it
show?
Page #: _________
Quote #3:
Why is this quote important? What does it
show?
Page #: _________
Quote #4:
Why is this quote important? What does it
show?
Page #: _________
8