“Trifles” by Susan Glaspell begins with the investigation of John Wrights murder by strangulation. Sheriff Henry Peters and the county attorney George Henderson arrive at the Wrights farmhouse with witness Lewis Hale, Mrs. Peters, and Mrs. Hale. Lewis Hale explains about finding Mr. Wright acting strangely while she told him that her husband was murdered while she was asleep. During the investigation the women soon discover reason for action in the form of an empty birdcage and eventually discover a dead bird in Mrs. Wright’s sewing basket. The bird had been strangled in the same fashion as John Wright and instead of bringing it forward to the sheriff the women decide to hide it. As the investigation proceeds the men soon realize they have no evidence that Mrs. Wright did
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This is most evident with lack of a first name though out the story. The women have no first name and instead are identified by the use of their husband’s last names. Second to this is the title of the story and perpetuation of female interest in “trifles.” Lewis Hale brings light to this when he claims “Well, women are used to worrying about trifles” (1041). This implicated the notion that women are too small-minded to worry about important issues of the current investigation. This is also highlighted to some extent while the men of the investigation observe and remark on the state of the kitchen. The men ultimately conclude that Mrs. Wright must have been at fault because John Wright’s reputation as a dutiful man wouldn’t allow such a thing for his character. Women are tied to their duties as was the case in the kitchen and further evident when the story brings focus on the quilt. As the investigation begins to wrap up the County Attorney say “Well, Henry, at least we found out that she was not going to – what is it you call it, ladies?” to which Mrs. Hale replies, “We call it – Knot it, Mr.
This is most evident with lack of a first name though out the story. The women have no first name and instead are identified by the use of their husband’s last names. Second to this is the title of the story and perpetuation of female interest in “trifles.” Lewis Hale brings light to this when he claims “Well, women are used to worrying about trifles” (1041). This implicated the notion that women are too small-minded to worry about important issues of the current investigation. This is also highlighted to some extent while the men of the investigation observe and remark on the state of the kitchen. The men ultimately conclude that Mrs. Wright must have been at fault because John Wright’s reputation as a dutiful man wouldn’t allow such a thing for his character. Women are tied to their duties as was the case in the kitchen and further evident when the story brings focus on the quilt. As the investigation begins to wrap up the County Attorney say “Well, Henry, at least we found out that she was not going to – what is it you call it, ladies?” to which Mrs. Hale replies, “We call it – Knot it, Mr.