trifles gender roles essay

The Role of Women in Glaspell’s Play “Trifles” Essay

The setting of the play in the abandoned kitchen managed to deliver the theme of male chauvinism and the subdued role and authority of women in society. Traditionally, the kitchen was primarily a preserved place for women. Therefore, by deserting the area, Glaspell takes the opportunity to question the power of women in taking charge of their homes. Consequently, the author takes the chance to introduce the concept of male chauvinism as she demeans the value and position of women. In one instance, the Sheriff says, “Nothing here but kitchen things” (Glaspell 1109). Through such words, the author questions the overall authority and power of men in society.

The condition of women during that time is that they were highly discriminated against. During the period, females were perceived as people who had no power and authority to control society. The murder story indicates that most of these members were battered, hurt, and killed mercilessly. In other words, gender violence was the order of the day. According to the play, Mr. Wright subjected his wife to several vicious emotional cases of abuse without considering her position in society. Therefore, women were highly vulnerable to male exploitation and dominance in society.

Presently, many changes in the position and role of women are experienced in society. Today, several females have taken roles such as leadership that was dominated by men. The global community has accepted the need to have gender equity and all women are allowed to take part in active politics. Nevertheless, more efforts should continue to be placed to ensure that both women and men understand their roles. By creating such a kind of distinction, society will manage to live in harmony.

Glaspell, Susan. Trifles . New York, NY: Frank Shay, the Washington Square Players, 1916.

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IvyPanda . "The Role of Women in Glaspell's Play “Trifles”." February 27, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/role-of-women-in-glaspell-play-trifles/.

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Diving Deep into ‘Trifles’: a Critical Analysis of Themes and Symbols

This essay about Susan Glaspell’s “Trifles” explores the intricate themes of gender oppression, societal norms, and justice. Set in a rural farmhouse, the play sheds light on the silent struggles of women, symbolized by Mrs. Wright’s plight. Through meticulous analysis of symbols like the kitchen and the dead canary, the essay unveils the profound layers of meaning within the narrative. It highlights the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence in understanding human experiences, challenging readers to reevaluate their perspectives on gender and power dynamics. Ultimately, “Trifles” serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative potential of compassion in the pursuit of truth and justice.

How it works

Susan Glaspell’s “Trifles” serves as a captivating canvas, painting a vivid portrait of gender dynamics, societal norms, and the often-overlooked nuances of human interaction. Within the rustic confines of a rural farmhouse, the play unfurls a tapestry of relationships and tensions, inviting readers to peer beyond the surface and into the hidden recesses of human experience. Through a meticulous examination of its themes and symbols, “Trifles” beckons us to embark on a journey of discovery, plumbing the depths of its narrative for profound insights.

At its core, “Trifles” grapples with the theme of gender oppression and the subjugation of women’s voices. Through the character of Mrs. Wright, Glaspell illuminates the suffocating weight of patriarchal expectations, relegating women to the margins of society. Mrs. Wright’s silent anguish becomes a poignant reminder of the countless women whose voices have been silenced and whose struggles have been erased by the dominant forces of patriarchy.

The stage itself becomes a battleground of symbolism, with each prop and setting choice imbued with layers of meaning. The juxtaposition of the living room and the kitchen serves as a visual metaphor for the divide between the public and private spheres, highlighting the societal expectations placed upon women to confine themselves to domestic duties. As the men scour the living room for tangible evidence, the women gravitate towards the kitchen, where they uncover the subtle clues and overlooked details that hold the key to understanding Mrs. Wright’s plight.

Central to the narrative is the motif of “trifles,” symbolizing the dismissive attitude towards women’s concerns and the tendency to overlook the significance of seemingly insignificant details. While the men scoff at the women’s preoccupation with domestic matters, they fail to recognize the deeper truths hidden within these seemingly trivial observations. Through the women’s keen insights and intuitive understanding, Glaspell challenges the notion that truth can be gleaned solely through rational inquiry, emphasizing the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence in uncovering the complexities of human experience.

Beyond its exploration of gender dynamics, “Trifles” delves into the nature of justice and the limitations of the legal system. While the men approach the investigation with a rigid adherence to logic and evidence, the women navigate the murky waters of emotion and intuition, piecing together the fragmented puzzle of Mrs. Wright’s life. In doing so, they call into question the efficacy of a justice system that fails to acknowledge the emotional realities of human existence, advocating instead for a more holistic approach rooted in empathy and understanding.

The dead canary emerges as a haunting symbol of Mrs. Wright’s stifled aspirations and the violence of her oppression. Once a source of joy and companionship, the canary’s lifeless form serves as a stark reminder of the toll that patriarchal dominance exacts upon women’s lives. While the men view the canary’s death as mere evidence, the women recognize its symbolic significance, serving as a catalyst for solidarity and empathy in the face of injustice.

In conclusion, “Trifles” stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the hidden corners of human experience. Through its exploration of gender, power, and justice, the play invites readers to confront their own assumptions and biases, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of the human condition. In a world fraught with division and discord, “Trifles” offers a ray of hope, reminding us of the transformative potential of empathy and compassion in the pursuit of truth and justice.

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Feminine Trifles: The Construction of Gender Roles in Susan Glaspell’s Trifles and in Modern English and American Crime Stories

Feminine Trifles. The Construction of Gender Roles in Susan Glaspell’s Trifles and in Modern English and American Crime Stories. VDM Verlag Dr. Müller, Saarbrücken, 2008.

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Gender Roles in Glaspell’s “Trifles” Play

Introduction, works cited.

Susan Glaspell’s Trifles reveals the struggles of women in the society of the early twentieth century. The author’s presentation of genders and their expected behaviors sheds light on the oppressive nature of marital relationships. This paper will discuss the gender roles and the oppression of women in Glaspell’s Trifles . Characters’ interactions reveal how society viewed spousal abuse, women’s position, and their struggles during the twentieth century.

In the investigation that is depicted in this one-scene play, the female characters initially appear to play a secondary role. They are terrified by the death of their neighbor and seem to be nervous and fearful, leading to them being left behind (Glaspell). However, the women’s willingness to examine the cooking area reveals that it was incorrect to disregard their presence. Although the investigators do not request their help and ignore “kitchen things”, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters discover the vital clue about the murder themselves (Glaspell). This scene points out that the behavior expected from women of that time was counterproductive to society. By disregarding their ideas, the sheriff and his partners have shown the potential value of cooperation between genders.

The county attorney’s words indicate Glaspell’s message regarding the role of women. Henderson observes that Mrs. Wright is “not much of a housekeeper” after encountering a dirty towel (Glaspell). This careless note highlights what work is expected from wives. In this play, women are expected to have a “homemaking instinct” (Glaspell). This generalization is a clear sign of oppression of this gender, as men outline their wives’ duties for them. Jawad writes that they are shown to be submissive and restricted in their expressions until asked, as women understand “the pressures of emasculated patriarchal culture” (25). Their opinions seem to be irrelevant to the investigators, who are focused on the search over asking Mrs. Hale about possible motifs that she might know.

It is important to note other characters’ attitudes toward Mrs. Wright. Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters show pity toward her after the incident, while the men do not express their emotions openly (Glaspell). The ladies can guess Mrs. Wright’s motives sincerely, as she is absent in this play. Discussions around her possible act of murder reveal the troubles that women experience in their daily lives. Wright’s husband was “a hard man” with “a quiet house,” which makes Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters sympathize with the potential culprit by acknowledging that she lived in “a lonesome place” (Glaspell). This assessment of Mrs. Wright’s terrible situation ultimately leads to a failed investigation, as the women decide to act with compassion over seeking justice for a murder that is motivated by the perpetrator’s life circumstances.

At the same time, men in this play perform an investigation, highlighting their status as leaders. Once their attention switches to women, Glaspell describes that they act “as one turning from serious things to little pleasantries.” Men’s role is to be decision-makers with a strong focus on work. Moreover, Mr. Wright is depicted as a laborious man who “didn’t drink and kept his word,” although his home was not “a very cheerful place” in his presence (Glaspell). Man’s position in society also indicates an apparent emotional callousness.

In conclusion, this play reveals that the role of women in the society of the twentieth century was to be submissive housekeepers whose opinions were rarely taken into consideration. Susan Glaspell shows how lax attitudes toward such a situation have caused people in society to become distant and less empathetic. In turn, a men’s role is shown to be more action-oriented, which also prevents them from taking women’s concerns seriously.

Glaspell, S. “Plays.” Project Gutenberg , 1916, Web.

Jawad, Enas J. “The Dilemma of Domestic Violence in Susan Glaspell’s Trifles.” Journal of College of Education for Women , vol. 31, no. 1, 2020, pp. 25-36.

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StudyCorgi. (2023, August 9). Gender Roles in Glaspell’s “Trifles” Play. https://studycorgi.com/gender-roles-in-glaspells-trifles-play/

"Gender Roles in Glaspell’s “Trifles” Play." StudyCorgi , 9 Aug. 2023, studycorgi.com/gender-roles-in-glaspells-trifles-play/.

StudyCorgi . (2023) 'Gender Roles in Glaspell’s “Trifles” Play'. 9 August.

1. StudyCorgi . "Gender Roles in Glaspell’s “Trifles” Play." August 9, 2023. https://studycorgi.com/gender-roles-in-glaspells-trifles-play/.

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StudyCorgi . "Gender Roles in Glaspell’s “Trifles” Play." August 9, 2023. https://studycorgi.com/gender-roles-in-glaspells-trifles-play/.

StudyCorgi . 2023. "Gender Roles in Glaspell’s “Trifles” Play." August 9, 2023. https://studycorgi.com/gender-roles-in-glaspells-trifles-play/.

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Home / Essay Samples / Literature / Trifles / Feminism And Gender Roles In The Play Trifles

Feminism And Gender Roles In The Play Trifles

Category: Literature , Sociology
Topic: Drama , Gender Roles , Trifles

Pages: 3 (1575 words)

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