Question

read this passage, which develops the symbols of the bird and the birdcage.
mrs. hale: (with a slow look around her) i wonder how it would seem never to have had any children around. (pause) no, wright wouldnt like the bird — a thing that sang. she used to sing. he killed that, too.
—trifles,
susan glaspell
remember that violence was inflicted on the birdcage and the bird. what inferences can you make about mrs. wrights experience in her home? check all of the boxes that apply.
she may have felt trapped and confined.
she may have felt limited as a housewife.
she may have been able to sing freely.
she may have suffered physical or emotional violence.
she may have been lonely.
she may have loved to travel.

Explanation:

• The birdcage symbolizes confinement. So, "She may have felt trapped and confined" is valid.
• In the context of the time (early 20th - century when the play is set), women like housewives had limited roles. "She may have felt limited as a housewife" makes sense.
• The mention of violence inflicted (as in "He killed that, too" - referring to her singing which could be a metaphor for her spirit) implies "She may have suffered physical or emotional violence".
• The lack of children (as Mrs. Hale wonders about never having children around) and the isolation (husband not liking her singing - a form of connection) can lead to loneliness. So, "She may have been lonely" is correct.
• The text gives no indication that she could sing freely (her husband didn't like the bird - a thing that sang, and she "used to sing" - past tense, implying no longer).
• There is no mention of travel in the text.

Answer:

She may have felt trapped and confined.
She may have felt limited as a housewife.
She may have suffered physical or emotional violence.
She may have been lonely.