Symbolism In Trifles

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Symbolism in Trifles Susan Glaspell’s play Trifles occurs during the investigation of John Wright’s murder. The primary suspect of the murder is John Wright’s wife, Minnie. The County Attorney and the Sheriff, Mr. Peters, work to find a motive for the murder in the Wright’s house. Neighbors of the Wright’s, Mr. and Mrs. Hale also help with the investigation. While the men look through the house for any sign of a motive, Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale conduct their own investigation in the kitchen. The two women happen to notice erratic stitching on Mrs. Wright’s quilt. While continuing to inspect the house, the women discover a disfigured birdcage, leaving them wondering if Mrs. Wright had a bird of her own. Upon further investigation, the …show more content…
Wright’s sewing basket. In the basket they find a dead bird wrapped in a piece of silk. Despite discovering Mrs. Wright’s motive for killing Mr. Wright, the two women decide to keep the information they have learned to themselves. The house of Mr. and Mrs. Wright as well as Mrs. Wright’s bird prove to be powerful symbols in Trifles. The house in Trifles is symbolic of Mr. and Mrs. Wright’s broken relationship. The dreary kitchen, which is full of items left in a disorderly manner, is suggestive of a troubled marriage. While the kitchen is often the heart of a home, Mr. and Mrs. Wright’s kitchen appears to be lifeless. The somber kitchen symbolizes their unhappy marriage, representing the emotional disconnect between Minnie and her husband. The house is described as having, “A gloomy kitchen, and left without having been put in order – unwashed pans under the

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