Student Question
What speech might Minnie Wright deliver in Trifles if the canary was found and she was convicted?
Quick answer:
If Minnie Wright were to deliver a speech upon being convicted, it would likely be timid and understated, reflecting her character as depicted in "Trifles." She would probably struggle with speaking publicly, perhaps making nervous apologies and references to past abuse, such as her husband pouring vinegar down her throat. Her speech might subtly reveal the truth of her suffering, allowing the jury to understand her plight without a forceful defense.
This is something that you have to write for yourself, but we can give you some ideas. There are several options, but if you want to stay true to character, I don't think Minnie Wright would really have much to say in her own defense. She would probably let her attorney do it for her. We don't know much about her character, but we do know that she lived with an abusive man for years...without doing anything about it and without telling anyone about it. So, if you have to write something that she said, it would not be very forceful, and perhaps she would be timid about delivering it, but...you could still do it in a clever way so that the jury could still see the truth of her sad situation. For example:
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I am just not used to speaking in front of...
Unlock
This Answer NowStart your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
a crowd, so you will have to forgive me for being a little nervous. I just spilled my water on my shirt, and it's my favorite shirt. I embroidered a little yellow canary on it, can you see him? Right above the pocket? It reminds me of my poor little Tweetie, God rest his soul. Well, so.... What's that? You want me to speak up? Oh, I'm sorry. I guess I do have a soft voice. I'll try to speak a little clearer. You see, my husband poured vinegar down my throat a few months ago because he said I talked too much, and it destroyed some of the lining of my throat, so I can't talk too loud. Okay, how's this? Can you all hear me now? Okay, so, where was I? Oh yes, you wanted me to speak in my own defense. Well, I wrote some notes down here, but I can't read them very well--you see, my husband threw his potato soup at me a few months ago--he said it was too bitter--and some of it burned my left eye, so it's hard for me to read. Anyway, let's see. Oh yes, well....
You could continue in this way and let the woman's pitiful character speak for her. It would be a unique approach. What do you think?