Problem
Choose one of the plays to discuss in your original post.
1) Performance and form: How does the play foster a sense of intimacy between Sunny (Lightwala) and the audience? Why does Tannahill choose a dramatic monologue? What would be lost if Sunny's story was presented differently (i.e., if there were other actors playing the parts of his family, Kiera, and Mr. Bailey)? Consider the circumstances of the performance, i.e., it was performed to a laptop computer, the framing of Sunny (Lightwala) during filming, the movement of the camera/laptop.
2) Gender norms and expectations: Why is Sunny told to be more like King? How does King conform to traditional conceptions of masculinity? Where does this pressure to conform and suppress his authentic self come from? How does Sunny's cultural background complicate his expression of his authentic self?
3) Private vs. Public: Why must Sunny keep his video creation a secret? What are the benefits/drawbacks of keeping his videos private? Or, making them public? Sunny's videos become increasingly visible/public (first to Mr. Bailey then to Sunny's online viewers as well as the community/school). What does this progression tie to Sunny's maturation?
4) Coming of Age: Trace Sunny's development and maturation of a character. When does he change? How does he change?
5) Imagined video: Consider Sunny's description of his return home as a music video. What is the significance of this imagined video and Sunny's final dance in the play? In what ways does Sunny "own it"? What does he "own"?
Trifles
1) Female solidarity - When do Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters begin to sympathize with Mrs. Wright? In what ways do Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters bond with one another? How might we interpret the final line of the play, "We call it - knot it" (1395)?
2) Symbolism - What is the significance of the bird in the play? The jar of preserves? What does the quilt reveal about Mrs. Wright's state of mind? Remember, a symbol is something concrete (i.e., an object, a person) that represents something abstract.
3) Setting - Where is the Wright farm located? Where does the play's action take place? What is the significance of this particular setting?
4) Characterization - What kind of man is Mr. Wright? How does Minnie Foster change following her marriage to John Wright? How are the County Attorney and Sheriff described and what is their attitude towards women (and the domestic space of the home generally)? What are the County Attorney and Sheriff looking for? How does their attitude towards women and domesticity prevent them from finding what they're looking for? Why doesn't Mrs. Hale visit Mrs. Wright? What does she come to realize about Mrs. Wright's life and marriage?
5) Crime and Justice - What "crimes" have been committed in the play? Why do the omen conceal the evidence that would indict Mrs. Wright? How do they serve as a sort of jury? What might this play be saying about justice? Keep in mind when the play was written/performed - it was a time when women had limited rights and opportunties and could not run for office or serve on juries.
6) Film adaptation - what are some of the differences between the film and the play? What are the significance of these differences? You may also comment on the film's use of sound and cinematic technique and how these enhance the details of the play.
7) Title - why is the play called Trifles? The short story and the film adaptation are called A Jury of her Peers? Which is the more fitting title and why? Make connections to the play in support of your answer.