Question

Read the excerpt from part two of trifles. mrs. hale. it’s log cabin pattern. pretty, isn’t it? i wonder if she was goin’ to quilt or just knot it? (footsteps have been heard coming down the stairs. the sheriff enters, followed by hale and the county attorney.) sheriff. they wonder if she was going to quilt or just knot it. (the men laugh, the women look abashed.)

What is ironic about this excerpt from "Trifles"?

Options:

A) The men believe the women are incapable of discovering anything of substance when, in fact, they are the ones who discover evidence.
B) The men laugh at the women, and the women find themselves feeling very embarrassed by this.
C) Although they are considered to be good, knowledgeable homemakers, the women are puzzled by which stitching technique was used in the quilt.
D) Although the women are in Mrs. Wright’s kitchen, they are unfazed by the situation and remain focused on their own conversation.

Answer 1

The irony in the excerpt from 'Trifles' lies in the men's attitude; they laugh at the women's domestic discussions, not realizing that the women are actually uncovering vital evidence for the case. The correct answer is option a.

Step-by-step explanation:

The irony in the excerpt from Trifles revolves around the men's dismissive attitude towards the domestic concerns of women, which they consider insignificant or 'trifles'. In the play, women discover crucial evidence regarding the case, while the men overlook these details, believing the women are incapable of contributing anything of substance to the investigation.

Hence, the correct option is A) The men believe the women are incapable of discovering anything of substance when, in fact, they are the ones who discover evidence.The men's laughter symbolizes their dismissal of the women's conversation about whether Mrs. Wright was going to quilt or knot her work, considering it unimportant. Yet, this conversation is happening alongside the women's subtle investigation and piecing together of the real situation, leading to their discovery of the motive behind Mr. Wright's murder.

This showcases their attention to detail and understanding of domestic life, which proves to be central to solving the case. The gender dynamics and the underestimation of women play a pivotal role in the outcome of the play.