Susan Glaspell’s one-act play “Trifles” is a powerful story that explores themes of gender roles, justice, and the hidden lives of women in early 20th century America. First performed in 1916, this short but impactful play continues to resonate with readers and audiences today.
In this analysis, we’ll break down the key elements of “Trifles” and explore why it remains an important piece of literature.
Setting the Scene
The Backdrop
The play takes place in a farmhouse kitchen in the rural Midwest of the United States. It’s a cold winter day, and the house feels empty and neglected. This setting is important because it reflects the isolated lives of many farm women during this time period.
The Characters
- John Wright: The murdered husband (never appears on stage)
- Minnie Wright: John’s wife, suspected of killing him (also never appears on stage)
- George Henderson: The county attorney
- Henry Peters: The local sheriff
- Lewis Hale: A neighboring farmer
- Mrs. Peters: The sheriff’s wife
- Mrs. Hale: Lewis Hale’s wife and Minnie’s former friend
The main action of the play focuses on the five living characters as they investigate John Wright’s murder.
Plot Summary
The story begins as the group arrives at the Wright farmhouse to investigate John Wright’s murder. While the men search for evidence upstairs and in the barn, the women remain in the kitchen. As Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale look around, they begin to piece together clues about Minnie Wright’s life and what might have led her to kill her husband.
The women discover several important items:
- A quilt with erratic stitching
- An empty birdcage
- A dead canary wrapped in silk
These seemingly small details (or “trifles”) paint a picture of Minnie’s unhappy marriage and isolation. The women realize that John Wright likely killed Minnie’s beloved canary, pushing her to her breaking point. They decide to hide the evidence from the men, effectively protecting Minnie from prosecution.
Key Themes
Gender Roles and Expectations
One of the most prominent themes in “Trifles” is the stark difference between men’s and women’s roles in society. The men in the play dismiss the kitchen as unimportant, focusing instead on “real” evidence elsewhere. They joke about the women’s concern with “trifles” like preserves and quilting.
Example: COUNTY ATTORNEY: (Rubbing his hands over the stove) This feels good. Come up to the fire, ladies.
MRS. PETERS: (After taking a step forward) I’m not—cold.
SHERIFF: (Unbuttoning his overcoat and stepping away from the stove as if to mark the beginning of official business) Now, Mr. Hale, before we move things about, you explain to Mr. Henderson just what you saw when you came here yesterday morning.
This exchange shows how the men take charge of the investigation, assuming the women are only there for warmth and comfort.
The Power of Observation
While the men overlook the kitchen, the women’s keen observations lead them to uncover the truth. They notice details that the men dismiss as unimportant, showing that their domestic knowledge is actually a valuable investigative tool.
Example: MRS. HALE: (Examining the bird cage) Why, look at this door. It’s broke. One hinge is pulled apart.
MRS. PETERS: (Looking too) Looks as if someone must have been rough with it.
This observation about the birdcage leads the women to piece together what happened to Minnie’s canary, a crucial clue in understanding her motive.
Isolation and Loneliness
The play paints a vivid picture of the isolation many farm women faced. Minnie Wright’s life is shown to be lonely and joyless, with her only companionship coming from a small bird.
Example: MRS. HALE: I might have known she needed help! I know how things can be—for women. I tell you, it’s queer, Mrs. Peters. We live close together and we live far apart. We all go through the same things—it’s all just a different kind of the same thing.
This quote highlights the shared experiences of women and the isolation they often faced, even when living close to others.
Justice and Moral Choices
The women in the play face a moral dilemma when they discover evidence that could convict Minnie. They must choose between following the law and protecting a woman they believe has suffered greatly.
Example: MRS. HALE: (With a slow look around her) I wonder how it would seem never to have had any children around. (Pause) No, Wright wouldn’t like the bird—a thing that sang. She used to sing. He killed that, too.
This realization leads the women to sympathize with Minnie and ultimately decide to hide the evidence.
Character Analysis
Minnie Wright
Although Minnie never appears on stage, she is the central character of the play. Through the discoveries made by Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, we learn about her transformation from a lively young woman to a isolated, unhappy wife.
Example: MRS. HALE: She—come to think of it, she was kind of like a bird herself—real sweet and pretty, but kind of timid and—fluttery. How—she—did—change.
This description shows how Minnie’s spirit was crushed over the years of her marriage.
Mrs. Hale
Mrs. Hale is Minnie’s neighbor and former friend. She feels guilty for not visiting Minnie more often and becomes determined to protect her. Mrs. Hale is observant and quick to understand the significance of the clues they find.
Example: MRS. HALE: I might have known she needed help! I know how things can be—for women. I tell you, it’s queer, Mrs. Peters. We live close together and we live far apart. We all go through the same things—it’s all just a different kind of the same thing.
This quote shows Mrs. Hale’s empathy and her understanding of the challenges women face.
Mrs. Peters
As the sheriff’s wife, Mrs. Peters is initially more hesitant to go against the law. However, as she relates to Minnie’s experiences, she becomes an ally in hiding the evidence.
Example: MRS. PETERS: (With rising voice) We don’t know who killed the bird, and we don’t know who killed him.
This line shows Mrs. Peters’ growing resolve to protect Minnie, even as she tries to maintain plausible deniability.
The Men (Henderson, Peters, and Hale)
The male characters represent the patriarchal society of the time. They are dismissive of women’s concerns and blind to the realities of Minnie’s life. Their investigation focuses on physical evidence and motive, overlooking the emotional and psychological factors that the women uncover.
Example: COUNTY ATTORNEY: (Facetiously) Well, Henry, at least we found out that she was not going to quilt it. She was going to—what is it you call it, ladies?
MRS. HALE: (Her hand against her pocket) We call it—knot it, Mr. Henderson.
This exchange highlights the men’s condescending attitude towards women’s activities and their inability to see the significance of the evidence in front of them.
Symbolism in “Trifles”
The Canary
The dead canary is perhaps the most powerful symbol in the play. It represents Minnie’s spirit and her last connection to happiness and beauty in her life. The bird’s death at John Wright’s hands symbolizes how he crushed Minnie’s spirit over the years of their marriage.
Example: MRS. HALE: (Pointing to the cage) There was a man around last year selling canaries cheap, but I don’t know as she took one; maybe she did. She used to sing real pretty herself.
This connection between Minnie and the canary underscores the symbolism of the bird.
The Quilt
The quilt Minnie was working on represents her mental state. The erratic stitching shows her distress and instability leading up to the murder.
Example: MRS. HALE: (Looking at the quilt) The sewing is all right up to this point. (Points to a section of irregular stitching) But look at this! All the rest of it has been so nice and even. And look at this! It’s all over the place! Why, it looks as if she didn’t know what she was about!
The quilt becomes a visual representation of Minnie’s emotional turmoil.
The Kitchen
The kitchen itself is a symbol of women’s domain and the often-overlooked importance of their work and knowledge. It’s in this space that the truth is uncovered, highlighting the value of women’s perspectives.
Example: COUNTY ATTORNEY: (Rubbing his hands over the stove) This feels good. Come up to the fire, ladies.
MRS. PETERS: (After taking a step forward) I’m not—cold.
This exchange shows how the men view the kitchen as a place of comfort, while for the women, it’s a space of revelation and decision-making.
Writing Style and Techniques
Dialogue-Driven Narrative
Glaspell relies heavily on dialogue to drive the story forward and reveal character motivations. The conversations between characters, especially Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, provide insight into their thoughts and feelings.
Example: MRS. HALE: I’d hate to have men coming into my kitchen, snooping around and criticizing.
MRS. PETERS: (Nervously) Of course it’s no more than their duty.
This exchange reveals both Mrs. Hale’s resentment of male intrusion and Mrs. Peters’ initial reluctance to question authority.
Offstage Action
Much of the important action in “Trifles” happens offstage. We never see John Wright’s murder or Minnie Wright herself. This technique forces the audience to piece together the story along with the characters, creating a sense of mystery and engagement.
Irony
Glaspell uses irony effectively throughout the play. The title itself is ironic, as the “trifles” the men dismiss turn out to be crucial evidence. The fact that the women solve the crime while the men remain clueless is another example of situational irony.
Example: COUNTY ATTORNEY: (Laughing) Well, that’s better than a detective, isn’t it? But don’t waste too much time with that, Mrs. Peters. We’ll be leaving before long.
This line is ironic because the attorney doesn’t realize that Mrs. Peters’ attention to detail is exactly what a good detective needs.
Historical Context
“Trifles” was written in 1916, during a time of significant social change in the United States. Women were fighting for the right to vote (which they would win in 1920), and questions of women’s roles in society were being debated.
Glaspell based the play on a real murder case she had covered as a journalist in Iowa. This connection to real events gives the play added depth and relevance.
The rural setting reflects the realities of many women’s lives at the time, isolated on farms with little social interaction or support. The play sheds light on the hardships these women faced and the potential consequences of their isolation.
Legacy and Impact
“Trifles” continues to be widely read and performed today, over a century after it was written. Its themes of gender inequality, domestic violence, and the power of female solidarity remain relevant in modern society.
The play has been influential in feminist literary criticism, often cited as an early example of literature that centers women’s experiences and challenges patriarchal assumptions.
In addition to its literary impact, “Trifles” has been used in law schools to discuss issues of evidence, motive, and jury selection. The play raises important questions about justice and who gets to decide what evidence is important in a criminal case.
Conclusion
Susan Glaspell’s “Trifles” is a masterful exploration of gender roles, justice, and the hidden lives of women in early 20th century America. Through its clever use of symbolism, dialogue, and offstage action, the play invites readers and audiences to piece together the truth alongside its characters.
The play’s enduring relevance speaks to the universal themes it addresses and the skill with which Glaspell crafted her narrative. By focusing on the “trifles” that the men overlook, Glaspell highlights the value of women’s knowledge and experiences, challenging societal norms and expectations.
As we continue to grapple with issues of gender equality and justice in the 21st century, “Trifles” remains a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to all voices and looking beyond surface appearances to uncover deeper truths.
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FAQs about “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell
- Q: Who wrote “Trifles”? A: “Trifles” was written by Susan Glaspell, an American playwright and novelist.
- Q: When was “Trifles” first performed? A: “Trifles” was first performed in 1916.
- Q: What is the main plot of “Trifles”? A: The play centers around the investigation of John Wright’s murder. While the men search for evidence, the women discover clues in the kitchen that reveal the truth about the crime and the suspect, Minnie Wright.
- Q: Why is the play called “Trifles”? A: The title is ironic. It refers to the small, seemingly unimportant details that the men dismiss but that actually hold the key to solving the crime.
- Q: What are some of the main themes in “Trifles”? A: Key themes include gender roles, isolation, justice, and the power of observation.
- Q: Why don’t we see Minnie Wright or John Wright in the play? A: Glaspell chose to keep these characters offstage to create mystery and to focus on how others perceive and react to the situation.
- Q: What is the significance of the dead canary? A: The dead canary symbolizes Minnie’s crushed spirit and represents the final act of cruelty that pushed her to murder her husband.
- Q: Why do the women decide to hide the evidence they find? A: The women sympathize with Minnie’s situation and decide to protect her by concealing evidence that could be used to convict her.
- Q: Is “Trifles” based on a true story? A: While not directly based on a single true story, Glaspell was inspired by a murder case she covered as a journalist in Iowa.
- Q: How has “Trifles” influenced modern literature and drama? A: “Trifles” is considered an early feminist drama and has influenced many works that explore women’s experiences and challenge patriarchal norms.
- Q: What does the quilt symbolize in the play? A: The quilt, with its erratic stitching, symbolizes Minnie’s mental state and the turmoil in her life.
- Q: Why is “Trifles” often studied in law schools? A: The play raises interesting questions about evidence, motive, and justice, making it a useful tool for discussing legal concepts.
- Q: How does the setting of the play contribute to its themes? A: The isolated farmhouse setting underscores themes of loneliness and the restricted lives of rural women in the early 20th century.
- Q: What role does irony play in “Trifles”? A: Irony is used throughout the play, particularly in how the men dismiss as unimportant the very clues that solve the crime.
- Q: How does “Trifles” comment on the justice system of its time? A: The play suggests that the justice system, dominated by men, often overlooked or misunderstood women’s experiences and motivations.