A Review of The Novel Trifles by Susan Glaspell

Trifles by Susan Glaspell

Trifles is a one-act play by Susan Glaspell in the early 19th century during the women's suffrage era. It is a story about a woman who killed her husband and generally the candid relationships between men and women. 

There are several strong symbols in this play; for example, when the attorney, sheriff, and the two women were at the house for the investigation, they noticed that all of the kitchen preserves were broken as a result of the cold in the house. The preserves symbolize fruitfulness, youth, and sweetness. The cold that broke the preserves symbolizes the coldness of Mrs. Wright's relationship, which eventually led to her breaking point. The glass that houses the preserves is a symbol of Mrs. Wright as well; it depicts that the situation was already broken. 

Another symbol in Trifles is the Quilt. The men dismiss this as mere women's talk or concerns. However, a quilt is essential, especially during the period this play is set in. Sleeping without a quilt would be tremendous due to the cold weather. The men in the story's view of the women and the Quilt reflect the men's viewpoint in society. Men did not consider women capable of thinking about politics, hence no real reason for them to vote. They felt that women were only capable of worrying about Trifles. 

Another symbol is the fact that the caged bird was found in a woman's sewing basket. The dead caged songbird turns into a major piece of evidence that could provide a motive for the murder of Mr. Wright. The men did not find it because they only looked in places important to men, the bedroom and the bar, not the kitchen. 

The dead caged songbird symbolizes the spirit of Mrs. Wright. She was once free, walking around town in her best outfit, singing, and being merry. The cage resembles Mr. Wright; It gives the impression of how trapped she was in her marriage. The fact that Mr. Wright strangled the bird shows that he was very controlling and wanted her all to himself. This also proves to be the evidence that she killed him. 

May RATING: 8.5/10 

References

 Glaspell, S. (1924). Trifles: a play in one act. Boston: Walter H. Baker.