Introduction
In “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell, the literary theme the author conveys is the marginalization and oppression of women in society. Through the plot, the characters, and the setting, Glaspell illustrates the ways in which the male-dominated legal system and societal norms fail to understand and appreciate the experiences and perspectives of women. In other words, the central idea of the play is the oppression and marginalization of women in a male-dominated society and the ways in which women resist and challenge this oppression.
Discussion
One key event that helps to illustrate this idea is the discovery of the dead bird in Mrs. Wright’s sewing box. The men in the play, including the Sheriff and the County Attorney, dismiss the significance of the dead bird, believing it to be a mere trifle (The Project Gutenberg). However, the women in the play, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, understand the significance of the bird and its potential connection to Mrs. Wright’s motive for killing her husband. This event highlights the men’s inability to understand and empathize with women’s experiences, as well as their tendency to dismiss women’s perspectives and emotions as unimportant.
In terms of plot development, the male characters in the story, the sheriff, the county attorney, and Mr. Hale, are focused on finding evidence and solving the crime, while the female characters, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, are more concerned with the welfare of the victim and the details of her everyday life. This contrast highlights the differences in how men and women perceive and prioritize certain issues.
Similarly, Glaspell conveys this theme through the actions and words of the male characters in the play. The county attorney and the sheriff dismiss the women’s concerns and observations as “trifles” – insignificant and inconsequential – and refuse to take them seriously (The Project Gutenberg). This reinforces the idea that the male characters see the women as inferior and incapable of contributing to the investigation. Another way Glaspell conveys this theme is through the character of Mrs. Wright. Mrs. Wright is a victim of her husband’s abuse and oppression, and ultimately snaps and kills him in self-defense. However, the male characters in the play are unable to see beyond their own biases and prejudices, and instead view Mrs. Wright as a cold-blooded murderer (The Project Gutenberg). This illustrates the ways in which the legal system and society fail to recognize and support the rights and experiences of women.
The setting of the play also reflects the theme of women’s marginalization. The play takes place in a small, isolated farmhouse, where Mrs. Wright is trapped and unable to escape her abusive husband (The Project Gutenberg). This setting highlights the isolation and lack of support that many women in similar situations may face. Furthermore, the home is described as a “lonely” and dreary place, which reflects the isolation and oppression that Mrs. Wright experienced in her marriage (The Project Gutenberg). This is further emphasized when Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale discover the broken birdcage and the stitching, as they sympathize with Mrs. Wright and understand the significance of her actions, while the men do not.
In order to further support this analysis, outside sources could be consulted to provide additional insight into Glaspell’s use of literary techniques to convey this theme. For example, a literary critic might discuss how Glaspell’s use of symbolism, such as the birdcage and the quilt in the play, reflects the theme of women’s oppression. Additionally, a historian might provide context on the time period in which the play was written, and how it reflects the social and cultural climate of the time. Similarly, in the book American Women Playwrights, 1900-1930, Bzowski writes that the play dramatizes the limitations imposed on women by a male-dominated society (15). Another source, “A Jury of Her Peers” by Elaine Showalter, examines the representation of women in Glaspell’s work and its significance in the development of feminist literature. Showalter argues that Glaspell’s portrayal of Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters as intelligent and empathetic characters challenges the stereotype of weak and inferior women, and serves as a model for future feminist writers (Showalter). Thus, outside sources also support the analysis of “Trifles” as a feminist critique.
In terms of literary theory, “Trifles” can be analyzed through a feminist lens, as it explores the ways in which gender roles and expectations impact individuals and society. The male characters’ dismissive attitudes towards the female characters and their perceived inferiority reflect the patriarchal structure and gender inequalities of the time. The female characters’ intelligence, intuition, and empathy also challenge traditional gender roles and expectations. This is supported by the evidence from the plot development, characterization, setting, and literary devices, as well as outside sources.
Conclusion
Overall, “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell conveys the theme of the marginalization and oppression of women in society through its plot, characters, and setting. This theme aligns with feminist literary theory, which seeks to understand and challenge the ways in which patriarchal systems and societal norms marginalize and oppress women. Glaspell effectively uses plot development, characters, and setting to illustrate this theme, making “Trifles” a powerful and thought-provoking work of literature.
Works Cited
Bzowski, Frances Diodato, ed. American women playwrights, 1900-1930: a checklist. No. 15. Greenwood, 1992.
Showalter, Elaine. A Jury of Her Peers: Celebrating American Women Writers from Anne Bradstreet to Annie Proulx. Vintage Books, 2010.
“The Project Gutenberg EBook of PLAYS by SUSAN GLASPELL.” Gutenberg.org, 2022, Web.