Question

in part two of trifles, what symbolic impact is made when susan glaspell includes quilting as a part of mrs. wrights lifestyle?
it reinforces the idea that mrs. wright fulfilled many of the roles considered common for women during this time.
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.

Explanation:

In "Trifles", the quilting is used symbolically. The key is to analyze the impact of including quilting in Mrs. Wright's lifestyle. Option C (It casts doubt on the idea that Mrs. Wright could have killed her husband by making her appear innocent and content) is correct. The quilting, along with other domestic details, creates an image of a woman who seems innocent and content in her domestic role, which makes the audience (and the characters) doubt that she could be a murderer. Option A is incorrect as it's not just about fulfilling roles but the contrast with the murder. Option B is wrong because later details show she didn't truly enjoy the domestic duties (like the broken birdcage, etc.). Option D is incorrect as the tension isn't mainly from domestic bliss conflicting with murder investigation, but from the contrast between the domestic appearance and the violent act, and the doubt it creates about her guilt.

Answer:

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