Protection and Symbolism in Trifles
“Trifles” by Susan Glaspell is a murder mystery play about two women uniting to protect their female neighbor Mrs. Wright from the potential injustices of a sexist and male dominant society after her husband is murdered. The behaviors of the female characters serve as symbolism supporting the stories theme of protection.
Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters are apprehensive as they enter the Wright’s farmhouse. Their behavior demonstrates fear and anxiety of the unknown circumstances surrounding the murder of Mr. Wright. They stand close to each other, united as women in the presence of men in authority positions. As the men search the home it becomes clear that they view the women as the inferior sex, only capable of menial tasks and more concerned over trifles rather then the important business of a murder investigation. This point of view contributes significantly to the choice Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peter make to protect their neighbor and strengthens their bond throughout the story.
Mrs. Wright is not a physical character in the story but we get to know her through Mrs. Hale’s memories and her interpretation of the different symbols representing Mrs. Wright’s current struggles and former life. While passing time waiting for the men to gather evidence the women find a quilt with faulty sewing. Mrs. Hale questions Mrs. Peters, “What do you suppose she was so nervous about?” (Glaspell 974) opening the door to the possibility that the poor stitching is a result of Mrs. Wright’s unstable frame of mind. Mrs. Hale realizing the implications of this quickly repairs the quilt leaving no evidence for the men to find.
Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters keep busy gathering personal items to bring Mrs. Wright while the men continue searching for evidence. They stumble upon a broken birdcage and consider where the bird has gone and why the cage is broken. Thinking no more of it they continue gathering items when they find the bird wrapped in silk, in a pretty box, its neck broken. A wave of
Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters are apprehensive as they enter the Wright’s farmhouse. Their behavior demonstrates fear and anxiety of the unknown circumstances surrounding the murder of Mr. Wright. They stand close to each other, united as women in the presence of men in authority positions. As the men search the home it becomes clear that they view the women as the inferior sex, only capable of menial tasks and more concerned over trifles rather then the important business of a murder investigation. This point of view contributes significantly to the choice Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peter make to protect their neighbor and strengthens their bond throughout the story.
Mrs. Wright is not a physical character in the story but we get to know her through Mrs. Hale’s memories and her interpretation of the different symbols representing Mrs. Wright’s current struggles and former life. While passing time waiting for the men to gather evidence the women find a quilt with faulty sewing. Mrs. Hale questions Mrs. Peters, “What do you suppose she was so nervous about?” (Glaspell 974) opening the door to the possibility that the poor stitching is a result of Mrs. Wright’s unstable frame of mind. Mrs. Hale realizing the implications of this quickly repairs the quilt leaving no evidence for the men to find.
Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters keep busy gathering personal items to bring Mrs. Wright while the men continue searching for evidence. They stumble upon a broken birdcage and consider where the bird has gone and why the cage is broken. Thinking no more of it they continue gathering items when they find the bird wrapped in silk, in a pretty box, its neck broken. A wave of