The debate of morality versus law is not new. Several cases throughout history provide insight into a system that convicts women of murder, even if they feared for their lives. In many instances, families of the convicted will try to provide evidence of wrongdoing of the deceased, or withhold evidence. The question lies not in whether murder is wrong, but whether the events leading up to the crime contributed in any way to the outcome. In the play Trifles, written by Susan Glaspell, the theme is that abiding by the law is sometimes less important than doing what is morally right.
In the play, the group of men have a strong opinion of what is right and what is wrong. They accuse Mrs. Wright of killing her and seek to prove her guilt. They …show more content…
Wright, which is evident by the ill jesting by the county attorney who still sees no importance of the women’s things, assuming they’re “not very dangerous” (p 783). The mistreatment of Minnie by her husband is important, because although it is not suggested that he was physically abusive, he was apparently mentally and emotionally abusive because Minnie “used to sing. He killed that, too” (p 782). Though both women are reminded of their lawful duty to report what they have found because Mrs. Peters is “married to the law” (p 784), they both remain quiet because they know that it would be a disservice to not only betray the woman they know was wronged but being in jail would also continue the cycle of mental torment and isolation she felt at home. Mrs. Hale’s hand on her pocket concealed the dead canary which would surely become a catalyst to the truth, if revealed.
The play, Trifles, tells every abused woman’s story that ends with her being imprisoned. The law, most of the time, judges in black and white, while the circumstances that lead to crime are often a large gray area. While some women are exonerated due to temporary insanity or self-defense pleas, the guilty verdict often stands with most. While it is against the law to kill and important to seek justice, it is also important to analyze each circumstance individually and come
In the play, the group of men have a strong opinion of what is right and what is wrong. They accuse Mrs. Wright of killing her and seek to prove her guilt. They …show more content…
Wright, which is evident by the ill jesting by the county attorney who still sees no importance of the women’s things, assuming they’re “not very dangerous” (p 783). The mistreatment of Minnie by her husband is important, because although it is not suggested that he was physically abusive, he was apparently mentally and emotionally abusive because Minnie “used to sing. He killed that, too” (p 782). Though both women are reminded of their lawful duty to report what they have found because Mrs. Peters is “married to the law” (p 784), they both remain quiet because they know that it would be a disservice to not only betray the woman they know was wronged but being in jail would also continue the cycle of mental torment and isolation she felt at home. Mrs. Hale’s hand on her pocket concealed the dead canary which would surely become a catalyst to the truth, if revealed.
The play, Trifles, tells every abused woman’s story that ends with her being imprisoned. The law, most of the time, judges in black and white, while the circumstances that lead to crime are often a large gray area. While some women are exonerated due to temporary insanity or self-defense pleas, the guilty verdict often stands with most. While it is against the law to kill and important to seek justice, it is also important to analyze each circumstance individually and come