Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Trifles — Trifles by Susan Glaspell Analysis
Trifles by Susan Glaspell Analysis
- Categories: Trifles
About this sample
Words: 429 |
Published: Jan 29, 2024
Words: 429 | Page: 1 | 3 min read
Table of contents
Gender roles in the early 20th century, plot summary of trifles, symbolism in trifles, the marginalization of women in trifles, references:.
- Bigsby, C. (2012). Modern American Drama, 1945-2000. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Glaspell, S. (1916). "Trifles." The Best American Short Plays 1915-1916 . Ed. Willa Cather and George Jean Nathan. Boston: Small, Maynard and Company.
- Jarvis, B. (2008). "Susan Glaspell and the Anxiety of Expression." American Literary Realism , 40(2), 109-122.
Cite this Essay
To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below:
Let us write you an essay from scratch
- 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
- Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours
Get high-quality help
Dr Jacklynne
Verified writer
- Expert in: Literature
+ 120 experts online
By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email
No need to pay just yet!
Related Essays
2 pages / 928 words
3 pages / 1319 words
2 pages / 871 words
3.5 pages / 1677 words
Remember! This is just a sample.
You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.
121 writers online
Still can’t find what you need?
Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled
Related Essays on Trifles
The Drama Trifles by Susan Glaspell addresses the issues of gender, isolation, and justice in society. The play sheds light on the oppression faced by women, a prevalent issue in many communities. The male character in the play [...]
"Trifles," explores the theme of gender roles and the societal expectations placed upon women in the early 20th century. Through the use of symbolism, characterization, and setting, Glaspell presents a thought-provoking critique [...]
Susan Glaspell's play "Trifles" is a thought-provoking piece that explores the power dynamics between men and women in early 20th-century America. One of the key elements that adds depth and richness to the play is its intricate [...]
In the captivating play "Trifles" by Susan Glaspell, the audience is introduced to a murder mystery that delves deep into the complexities of human behavior and societal norms. Set in a rural farmhouse, the story unfolds as the [...]
Looking over the course of time, women in every society have been expected to maintain the household living up to the old adage that they, like children, should be seen and not heard. In the play “Trifles” written by Susan [...]
The play Trifles by Susan Glaspell depicts the repressed roles of women in 1916 and holds underlying tones of the feminist movement shown through the two female lead characters, Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale. This play paved the [...]
Related Topics
By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.
Where do you want us to send this sample?
By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.
Be careful. This essay is not unique
This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before
Download this Sample
Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts
Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.
Please check your inbox.
We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!
Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!
We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .
- Instructions Followed To The Letter
- Deadlines Met At Every Stage
- Unique And Plagiarism Free
A Comprehensive Analysis of Trifles by Susan Glaspell
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.
What You'll Learn
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Related Articles
The Irony of Trifles: A Look Into Susan Glaspell’s Play “Trifles”
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.
Start by filling this short order form order.studyinghq.com
And then follow the progressive flow.
Having an issue, chat with us here
Cathy, CS.
New Concept ? Let a subject expert write your paper for You
Post navigation
Previous post.
📕 Studying HQ
Typically replies within minutes
Hey! 👋 Need help with an assignment?
🟢 Online | Privacy policy
WhatsApp us
- Sisterhood in Susan Glaspell’s “Trifles” Play Words: 1126
- Women and Men in the Play “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell Words: 642
- Feminism in the Play “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell Words: 1388
- Minnie’s Deed in Susan Glaspell’s “Trifles” Play Words: 1768
- Mrs. Hale in “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell Words: 674
- “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell Literature Analysis Words: 883
- “Trifles” Play by Susan Glaspell Words: 550
- Sexism in “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell Words: 630
- Women’s Worldview in “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell Words: 675
- Susan Glaspell’s ‘Trifles’ – Gender Oppression and Justice Words: 995
- “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell Words: 1843
- The Play “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell Words: 687
“Trifles” by Susan Glaspell: Literary Analysis
Trifles is a piece written by Susan Glaspell in 1916 in the genre of the one-act play. The play explores the connections between husbands and wives, focusing on a murderous marriage. The play contains many symbols with specific meanings that enhance the contents of the play. Every symbol is related to the context of a scene it is seen in, yet contains a wider meaning applicable to the whole play.
The play’s script develops around the murder of John Wright who was choked with a rope. Two couples of husbands and wives arrive at the place and have to stay there. During their stay, the investigation goes on and it eventually is found out that the murderer was John’s wife, Minnie (Litcharts). The play is heavily concentrated on the symbols it contains as without understanding them it is hard to define what happened in terms of the meaning of certain events.
The Wright is the surname of Minnie Foster, the main character. “Wright” has a resemblance with “right,” and it refers to anything that must be acknowledged by others, as well as something that one may do or own. The use of the surname “Wright” as a surname indicates that the tale will be about right, as will the challenges that the protagonist faces in this drama. “Minnie” has a nearly identical sound to “mini,” which refers to something little or in the minority. “Foster” has the same sound as the word “force,” which denotes “power.” Minnie Foster’s name implies that the character lacks authority and feels herself to be a weak person.
Minnie rests in the rocking chair after murdering her husband. Minnie’s approach to staying relaxed and becoming as natural as she can is indicated by the rocking chair. It’s a place where Minnie can relax and enjoy herself, allowing her to disconnect from reality for a time. Minnie is seated in the rocking chair because it allows her to relax for a moment. She was terrified, so she attempted to act as naturally as possible by clutching her apron and pleating it while she rocked back and forth.
The cherry preserve had already cracked from the cold when the two women, Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale, discovered it. The cherry is a seasonal fruit that ripens in the spring. Its hue is red, exactly like Minnie’s attitude toward life as a little child, which was cheery and joyous. Minnie, like the cherry in the preserve, felt she could not do what she wanted once she married. The wall had cracked and fractured due to pressure and an extremely low temperature (Puspuritani 21). It looks just like Minnie. She preserved her secret so she could do what she pleased. She is obviously under duress, and the outcome is a break in Minnie’s heart as a result of her marriage’s coldness.
The quilt is composed of fabric patches that are sewn together to form an expanding square. The quilt isn’t finished yet in the drama. It represents Minnie’s fate; the patches of cloth represent every piece of information discovered, and it was through this that the ladies discovered Minnie’s murder. Minnie’s fate, like the unfinished quilt, is still up in the air.
Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters were seeking a piece of paper and string when they came across a broken birdcage. Mr. Wright’s attitude toward Minnie is symbolized by the birdcage; his coldness and harshness hinder Minnie from making friends and socializing with others. Minnie is like the bird caught in the cages herself as a result of this. She is unable to do anything she desires and must instead focus on cleaning. When the two women, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, initially discovered the birdcage, it was already shattered with no bird inside, as if someone had grabbed the bird forcefully and destroyed the cage. It alludes to what recently transpired in Minnie’s life, and how she was finally able to free herself from a cold and unforgiving spouse who treated her badly. The birdcage appears to be a jail built by John Wright for Minnie over many years.
Mrs. Hale discovered the bird had died. She failed to see that the bird perished not of natural causes, but rather as a result of someone breaking its neck. The body of the dead bird was placed in a lovely box and wrapped in silk. It implies that the bird is something precious to the owner and that the killer was not Minnie (Samman 73). Why would she wrap the dead bird in something as lovely as silk, one could wonder? It’s because the owner considers the dead bird to be a respectable object, and she wanted to offer it the final respect it deserved, so she presented it with beautiful silk and a lovely box.
After analyzing the symbolic contents of Trifles, it is clear that the issues emphasized by the author regard inequality. The main character Minnie suffers from the problems she faced because of her marriage, which is just an element of the whole system that works similarly.
Works Cited
“ Trifles Symbols ”. Litcharts .
Puspitarini, Diana. The hidden meanings seen from the symbols, characters and settings in Susan Glaspell’s Trifles. 2019. Universitas Sanata Dharma Yogyakarta.
Samman, Maram. “The Bird Imagery in Suzan Glaspell’s Trifles and Joseph Kramm’s the Shrike: A Feminist Comparative Study.” Critical Space, 2018.
Cite this paper
- Chicago (N-B)
- Chicago (A-D)
StudyCorgi. (2024, September 19). “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell: Literary Analysis. https://studycorgi.com/trifles-by-susan-glaspell-literary-analysis/
"“Trifles” by Susan Glaspell: Literary Analysis." StudyCorgi , 19 Sept. 2024, studycorgi.com/trifles-by-susan-glaspell-literary-analysis/.
StudyCorgi . (2024) '“Trifles” by Susan Glaspell: Literary Analysis'. 19 September.
1. StudyCorgi . "“Trifles” by Susan Glaspell: Literary Analysis." September 19, 2024. https://studycorgi.com/trifles-by-susan-glaspell-literary-analysis/.
Bibliography
StudyCorgi . "“Trifles” by Susan Glaspell: Literary Analysis." September 19, 2024. https://studycorgi.com/trifles-by-susan-glaspell-literary-analysis/.
StudyCorgi . 2024. "“Trifles” by Susan Glaspell: Literary Analysis." September 19, 2024. https://studycorgi.com/trifles-by-susan-glaspell-literary-analysis/.
This paper, ““Trifles” by Susan Glaspell: Literary Analysis”, was written and voluntary submitted to our free essay database by a straight-A student. Please ensure you properly reference the paper if you're using it to write your assignment.
Before publication, the StudyCorgi editorial team proofread and checked the paper to make sure it meets the highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, fact accuracy, copyright issues, and inclusive language. Last updated: September 19, 2024 .
If you are the author of this paper and no longer wish to have it published on StudyCorgi, request the removal . Please use the “ Donate your paper ” form to submit an essay.
IMAGES
VIDEO