which phrase most closely matches the meaning of the word pleasantries in this excerpt from susan glaspell’s trifles?

county attorney: (as one turning from serious things to little pleasantries) well ladies, have you decided whether she was going to quilt it or knot it?

a. tea cakes

b. trivial talk

c. foolish actions

d. childish behavior

B. trivial talk is the correct action.

Explanation:

Trifles is a one-act play written by Susan Glaspell, an American novelist and playwright. It is about a group of people investigating what had happened with the Wright family.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, pleasantry refers to "a polite and often slightly humorous remark, usually made to feel other people relaxed;" in the excerpt, the note before the dialogue indicates that the attorney changes from serious things to trivial talk.