“Trifles” by Susan Glaspell, is centered in 1916 and is a one-act play, which includes parts of what the women’s suffrage movement was all about. The drama from Glaspell conveys the story of a murder mystery concerning a married couple of Mrs. Wright and her husband, the murder victim, John Wright; this story also integrates the attitude of society at the time concerning women, their social position observed as beneath that of a male. Minnie Wright, the protagonist, remains concealed during the drama. Minnie is unable to defend herself in person; instead, the exposure of the circumstances of her married life must be used to defend her. “Trifles” demonstrates the prejudiced attitude usually accepted among men regarding women in …show more content…
Mrs. Peters comments on the fact that Mrs. Wright was worried about her fruit freezing and the sheriff snaps back speaking to his male partners, "Well, can you beat the woman! Held for murder and worrin ' about her preserves" (Glaspell 1262 Line 28). Agreeing with the sheriff Mr. Hale says “Well women are used to worrying over trifles” (Glaspell 1262 line 30). The sheriff demonstrates the absence of respect and ignorance of the importance of a woman 's role in the household. It is this general lack of respect and ignorance that creates a dialog of …show more content…
Men believed that women were beneath them and treated them as such. I believe the men in this play depicted the culture of that time, when the county attorney states, “Dirty Towels! ... Not much of a housekeeper, would you say ladies” (Glaspell 1262 line 31). Also, I believe that Glaspell is using the set as a symbol of a farm woman 's life, most men during this time period believe woman place was in the kitchen barefoot and pregnant. The irony of the play is that Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters gathers the clues to the murder mystery, while also shifting the odds in favor of Mrs. Wright’s innocence. This play is an “example of human existence” (SLO #1) which can be used in a history class to demonstrate what life was like for woman before they were granted the right to vote (SLO #9). This play can also be used in as an assignment for student read with comprehension and use their own judgment to determine two things; first is it right for Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale to cover up the small clues that would lead to Mrs. Wright’s conviction? Second, do you believe that Mrs. Wright being victimized give her the right to murder her husband? (SLO # 3) “Trifles” is a play that demonstrates the life of small town uneducated women and the oppression they feel as married women during the suffrage