Analysis of Trifles

Tonisia Giddens
Eng. 102
9/12/14
Analysis of Trifles

Women are the only oppressed group in our society that live in intimate association with their oppressors and because of this most often live caged, unfulfilled lives. Trifles is a play by Susan Glaspell written in 1916. John Wright, who owned a farm, had been murdered the night before by strangulation in his bed. His wife, Minnie Wright, was accused of the homicide because she was the only one present at the time of his death. This one scene play focuses on the mystery and interaction between men and women at the time. The sheriff, county attorney, and Mr. Hale arrive at the home to look for evidence and treat the home like a crime scene causing them to miss out on vital clues for the case. Mrs. Peters, the sheriff’s wife, and Mrs. Hale arrive at the home to collect items that Mrs. Wright requested. Unlike the men they view the property as an actual home with meaning and not just another crime scene. For this reason they are able to uncover the motive by paying attention to the trifles the mean overlook. Because women’s feelings are often neglected the men we are in relation with often dominate our entire lives; making the two individuals that started out turn into one being. Minnie Foster was a high spirited joyful young lady. Mrs. Wright use to sing in the choir and she wore pretty clothes. She seemed to be lively and enjoyed life. When she got married she became withdrawn and did not socialize like she had before. While Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters were gathering Mrs. Wright’s things she requested they were discussing her personality and how she had changed once she got married. Mrs. Hale comments to Mrs. Peters that “she didn’t belong to the ladies aid” and the reason could be because “you don’t enjoy things when you feel shabby” (1390). Mrs. Peters seemed out of touch with the darkness that lurked in the Wright household possibly because she had not separated the “law” from her own emotional side that would allow her to empathize with what Mrs. Wright had endured. Although Mrs. Wright felt shabby she still made every attempt to fulfill her role by expressing her concern for her preserves and asking that they bring her apron; which symbolized the commitment women have to people and things we love. Mr. Wright did not care about the things that were important to his wife or her opinion of anything. At the beginning of the play, Mr. Hale was explaining to the County Attorney his reason for going to the Wright’s home the day before. He wanted to talk to Mr. Wright about the party phone in the presence of Mrs. Wright. He commented, “I didn’t know as what his wife wanted made much of a difference to John” (1387). It is apparent that others knew Mr. Wright disregarded what his wife wanted or thought. Mr. Wright may have been the reason Mrs. Wright did not participate in anything outside of her household duties and felt as if all she had for happiness was her bird by not communicating with her or allowing her to be her own person. This happens often in marriages as men think what is important to them is supreme over everything else. During the investigation the men follow procedure and support each other on what they think is important. The women on the other hand observe the surroundings and notice the small things the men deem unimportant. The women notice the ruined fruit preserves, and comment on the uncleanliness of the kitchen which seem not to worry them until they found the quilt. At first the quilt was sewn with style, attention to detail with nice clean patterns but then it is obvious that Mrs. Wright experienced some type of change because the stitching became erratic. Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale concluded that she was nervous about something and hinted at the emotional instability Minnie may have gone through. The men were looking for something that would “show anger or sudden feeling” (1390). If the Sherriff and county attorney had not dismissed the unclean kitchen, half wiped table and the quilt as trifles they might have been able to put the pieces together to connect the case. However, they like Mr. Wright did not care about what the women thought or were discussing. Mr. Wright may not have been aware but others noticed how he contributed to the shabbiness his wife felt. It is the small things that often have the most meaning. In what seems like a trifle may lay great revelation if only we look a little closer. Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters notice the preserves and how it will upset Mrs. Wright, the house is not clean, the table is half dirty and one portion of the quilt was sewn together well while the other side was all over the place. The play is set in the kitchen which is the most important room for a wife. It is where we reign and have the most control. Traditionally it is the wife’s duty to keep the kitchen clean but in this case Mrs. Wright did not which was unusual. To anyone else it may not have any meaning but as a woman it is not normal to have an unkempt kitchen. Mrs. Wright may have been in a defiant stage and decided to rebel against the cultural norm but while in rebellion it seems she fought with herself because one side of the table was clean. She may have wanted to be an accepting wife but could not deal with the dominating, distant side of her husband that left her feeling all alone. All she had was her bird, and that was taken from her. Mr. Hale tells the County Attorney, “women are used to worrying over trifles,” (1389) as they joke about her being concerned over her preserves. If the men had not been stuck in their traditional way of thinking they would have been able to identify the crisis Mrs. Wright was in emotionally and mentally. They possibly could have been aware of the discovery of the dead bird and the conversations between Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale as they recounted the events that took place. The lack of attention to detail and regard to what was important to Mrs. Wright will likely be her ticket out of prison and she will be granted the freedom she desperately wanted. Because women’s feelings are often neglected the men we are in relation with often dominate our entire lives; making the two individuals that started out turn into one being. Mr. Wright was murdered by his wife. He may not have been aware of the unhappiness she felt because he was so consumed with himself and fulfilling his role as a man. The events that took place in Trifles are those of many that occur throughout heterosexual relationships. Most times the woman sacrifices the most to please her spouse while losing herself and no longer knowing who she is or what she wants causing a bitter and lonely feeling. This can be seen most when women stay home and only the husband works whether or not there are children to care for. Another example is being submissive, in doing so it is difficult to avoid seeking approval in many situations you may not have sought it before. When the desired attention is not provided confidence, self-esteem and who you are unfortunately is affected. The saddest thing is visualizing how unappreciative your spouse behaves and not realize how you suffer until it is too late because daily you are trying to be your best for that person.