Trifles Themes
The main themes in Trifles are the perspectives of women and men, domestic abuse, and loneliness.
- The perspectives of women and men: Glaspell illustrates the differences between the women and men by contrasting their reactions and observations to the crime scene.
- Domestic abuse: The play subtly examines the devastating consequences of domestic abuse.
- Loneliness: The investigation reveals the depths of loneliness to which Minnie Wright has descended.
Themes: All Themes
Themes: The Perspectives of Women and Men
In Trifles, Susan Glaspellexplores the differing perspectives of women and men. Mr. Henderson, Sheriff Peters, and Mr. Hale are intent upon gathering evidence in the murder of John Wright. They systematically examine the scene, looking around the kitchen, closely examining the upstairs area where the crime took place, and checking the barn. Mr. Henderson is especially interested in proving that Minnie Wright killed her husband, and he is also...
(Read more)Themes: Domestic Abuse
Minnie Wright is a victim of domestic abuse. While there is no evidence that John Wright physically harmed his wife, there is plenty of evidence that he emotionally and psychologically abused her. The first piece of evidence is Wright’s character. Mrs. Hale describes him as a “hard man . . . Like a raw wind that gets to the bone.” She would not care to “pass the time of day with him,” and she does not think that a place would be “any cheerfuller...
(Read more)Themes: Loneliness
The Wright farm is a lonely one. John seemed to prefer it that way. He told Mr. Hale that he would not take the party telephone because it would disturb his “peace and quiet,” and he talked little himself. For Minnie, however, the loneliness must be akin to torture. In her youth, Minnie was a social person, a little bird, Mrs. Hale calls her. She sang in choir and enjoyed the company of the other young people. Now Minnie is alone. Her husband...
(Read more)Themes: Regret
The past cannot be changed, but it can fill the present with regret. Minnie Wright clearly regrets marrying John, for her marriage was unhappy and even abusive. Yet there is little evidence that she regrets John’s death. She is nervous and behaves strangely when Mr. Hale arrives, but she announces that her husband is dead with little emotion.
Mrs. Hale has regrets of her own. She knew Minnie Wright as a girl, but they have grown apart over the...
(Read more)Themes: Gender Roles
In Trifles, gender roles are a central theme, highlighting the disparity between male and female perspectives. The play critiques the traditional roles assigned to men and women, illustrating how these roles contribute to misunderstanding and injustice. Through the interactions of the characters, the play reveals how societal norms belittle women's contributions and insights.
The men in the play, including Mr. Hale, the County Attorney, and the...
(Read more)Themes: Justice
In Trifles, the theme of justice is explored through the lens of gender roles and societal expectations. The play examines the concept of justice not only as a legal principle but also as a moral and ethical one. The women in the play, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, grapple with the idea of justice as they uncover evidence of Minnie Wright's motive for killing her husband. Their decision to conceal this evidence highlights the conflict between legal...
(Read more)Themes: Feminism
Triflesby Susan Glaspell is a play that explores the theme of feminism through the lens of a murder investigation. The play highlights the gender roles and societal expectations of the early 20th century, showcasing how women were often underestimated and dismissed by men. Through the characters of Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, the play reveals the unique insights and solidarity of women, contrasting sharply with the men's dismissive attitudes. This...
(Read more)Expert Q&A
Themes and Conflict in Susan Glaspell's Play Trifles
The main themes in Susan Glaspell's play "Trifles" include gender roles, isolation, and the nature of justice. The conflict primarily revolves around the investigation of Mr. Wright's murder and highlights the differences in perception and understanding between the male and female characters, ultimately emphasizing the women's unique insights and solidarity.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.