Theme Of Feminism In Trifles

In the dramatic short stories, “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell and “Naked Lunch” by Michael Hollinger, feminism is a major role in these plays. Feminism by definition is “the doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men.” (Dictionary). In both stories, the men undermine the women while thinking of them less than themselves and other men. In “Trifles,” Susan Glaspell writes a drama to illustrate and criticize the feminism that existed during the early twentieth century. There are three women who are feminised in the play, Mrs. Hale, Mrs. Peters, and Mrs. Wright. Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters are only at the crime scene because they are picking up items for Mrs. Wright. While looking for supplies …show more content…
Vernom is Lucy’s ex boyfriend and he is obviously an impulsive and dominate man. For example, after she had told him that she was a vegetarian, Vernom thought it was because of him rather than thinking Lucy could have made the decision for herself. Also, later on in the play Vernom was still upset about this new change, and he demanded “I SAID EAT THE MEAT!” (pg. 1408). Once more, he asked her “How do you think this makes me feel?,” when it doesn’t even affect his life in any way (1408). He wanted to be apart of her decision making so he could be in control of it to fit what he wanted her to be. He forces Lucy to eat the meat to get his way, and it shows how Vernom doesn’t see Lucy as an equal because she was a …show more content…
For example, if the men in “Trifles” didn’t demean the women in the story then readers can infer that maybe Mrs. Hale or Mrs. Peters would have came forward with the evidence they found in the kitchen. Also, in “Naked Lunch,” if Vernom would have treated her equally and respect her own decisions, then readers can infer that their communication would have been better. The men seem to cause the problems in the play because they are feminist. They don’t believe that a woman could hang a man and they don’t believe in them changing their ways to better themselves. If these women were treated equally and respected by the men, then both stories would have different outcomes. Most likely Mrs. Wright wouldn’t have killed Mr. Wright, and Lucy would be with Vernom. The men do have more power over the women in the plays because it’s socially acceptable during the time, but the women are in the right in the plays and are the victims of the abuse of power. The message both these plays tell is that women are just as important as the men, and are capable to do just as much as them.
In conclusion, “Naked Lunch” and “Trifles” are very different stories. They really do not relate to each other at all other than the men’s feminist characteristics. Again, feminism is the “doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men.” (Dictionary). In both stories it showed that if someone doesn’t respect the women,