'Trifles'

Introduction

'Trifles' is a one act play set in the early 20th century by Susan Glaspell in which John Wright who is a citizen of Dixon Country in Nebraska, is murdered in his home and his wife named Minnie Wright is being suspected of committing the crime. The next morning, the Wright's neighbor, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Hale, the Country Attorney and Sheriff Peters and his wife go to their house to look for evidence. The women are told by the men to keep out of the way and stay in the kitchen. Little do the men know that the answer to their query remains in the kitchen only, while Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale ascertain clues that help them solve the murder mystery. However, the women decide against telling the men in order to help protect Minnie (Gioia, p. 667-79). Which brings about the question: 'Was the decision that the women made to protect Mrs. Wright just? or was it right?'

It is true that marriage and beliefs do not always intermingle with law and justice. 'Trifles' is a play which illustrates how the emotional side of life can interfere and cause tension with law and justice. For example, Mrs. Peters, the Sheriffs wife exemplifies the clash which can occur between law and justice because she has to decide between her beliefs of justice and her marriage to the 'law.' Moreover, the way these women are being treated portrayed a perfect picture of gender inequality and injustice in the society then, and even now.

Literary Elements in 'Trifles'

An important aspect of the play 'Trifles' is sexism, as defined in the contemporary world. It highlights drama within a society dominated by men, especially during the 20th century. All the men in this play represent the law, like the County Attorney, the Sheriff and Mr. Hale, by virtue of them being the 'all powerful and intelligent men.' Their role is to find evidence against Mrs. Wright which would prove her as the suspected murderer, and thus enforce the 'law.' The women, Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale represent 'justice,' although they are in attendance with the men in order to support them in finding evidence.

Immediately after the play begins, they are mocked by their husbands and the women decide to hide the evidence which they find in Minnie's sewing kit, so as to bring her some 'justice.' They hide the dead canary which would be classified as 'monumental evidence' if found by them men. Thus proving that men were and even in today's advanced world, are ready to condemn women on the slightest bit of evidence. However, the men neglect the women because they believe that a woman cannot have anything of importance to add to their investigation, due to which they miss their 'hard evidence.' This again brings up the question; Was it right for Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale to hide the evidence from the Sheriff and the County Attorney?

In my personal opinion, I believe that the women were right and ...