Differences And Gender Roles In Trifles By Susan Glaspell

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Trifles by Susan Glaspell is a play that explores ideals in an intriguing and fascinating way. It is about the investigation into life of Minnie Wright after the discovery of her husband’s death. Three men and two women dive into the home of the Wright’s to uncover some of the mystery surrounding their lives and Mr. Wright’s untimely death. These men being the county attorney, Mr. Hale, and Mr. Peters. The women in the play being Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters. By doing the investigation it is revealed the gender roles and the inequality among genders during that time period. Glaspell uses many elements within this play to bring a new depth. This play explores the inequality of genders and how this type of society impacts on individuals within that …show more content…

The most prominent theme is that of gender roles and expectations of that time period. The story reveals the ideals of the patriarchal society. It is clear the divide between genders within the play. The men are seen as inferior to the women. The men view the women’s ideas and thoughts as silly and irrelevant to their own. Thus it creates a more of an isolation between genders. The women are more empathetic to the lives and troubles of other women, than men. The isolation was evident as one of the men to the women in the play “Ah loyal to your sex, I see.” (1861). Another theme presented in this play is that of Justice. The men are in such of evidence in the murder of Mr. Wright in the house. Though the women ultimately find evidence that Mrs. Wright is in fact the murderer. They hide this evidence from the men, thus trying to help Mrs. Wright escape Justice. It is revealed that Mr. Wright was slightly abusive to his wife. It is also revealed that she finally had enough of it and ultimately killed her husband. This act could be seen as justice itself and the fact that Mrs. Wright will stand trial is also considered …show more content…

It shows how women were thought of in that time period and how there was an isolation between genders. This play explores this insight through the plot of the investigation of the murder of Mr. Wright. Each element of this play emphasize this meaning of gender inequality. By bringing awareness to this concept, Glaspell opens up the conversation about gender equality. Which is still an issue in today’s society and this injustice needs to be righted. As it is time for there to be full gender equality and better gender relations among all

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