The “Trifles” play, written in 1919 by Susan Glaspell, illustrates the world of a gender-strict role, where men dominated the society. This is because males were allowed to go out and work while women were confined at home to perform household chores and look after children. Females had no control over their lives; for example, the play’s primary characters Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale, were named after their husbands (“Trifles — Susan Glaspell — A Film Production”). Additionally, women lived lonely lives while men socialized when they went to work. Despite the oppression that females endured, men did not identify their contribution to them. This is because they belittled females and mocked their subservience, character, and intelligence. Additionally, males often blamed women for enjoying what they were allowed by oppression. Initially, females seemed comfortable with their position, but this changed as the play progresses. They connected with others and established rebel groups that would help them assume a different position in society.
Suzy Clarkson Holstein’s article illustrates women’s capability despite being oppressed in society. After arriving at John Wright’s home to uncover murder details, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters focus on looking for evidence to implicate Minnie Wright, who was accused of killing her husband (“Trifles — Susan Glaspell — A Film Production”). The degradation of females is evident when Mr. Hale says that women tend to worry over little important situations (“Trifles — Susan Glaspell — A Film Production”). However, the men cannot solve the situation while the oppressed and uneducated wives gather up some evidence that points to Winnie as the suspect. These women use their role as home keepers and different life experiences to establish the proof. However, the women decide to conceal it from the men to avoid their fellow women’s adverse consequences.
Work Cited
“Trifles — Susan Glaspell — A Film Production.” YouTube, 2013, Web.