Trapped Within A Cage

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Recommended: analysis of trifles by susan glaspell

Trapped Within a Cage In the play “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell, the symbols of the unfinished quilt and the canary are used to polarize the perspective between the relationship of John Wright and Minnie Foster. The canary being the last resemblance of Minne’s freedom and identity which is stripped away by Mr. Wright due to his inability to recognize the relationship is one of oppression and displeasure ultimately leading to his death. The symbols illustrate blindness of the patriarchal society that suppressed females from aspirations and contentment can only be viewed through the perspective of another woman. The symbolism represented by the unfinished quilt is one of oppression and control. The men within this play portray a sense of self-importance. The men present themselves as tough, serious-minded detectives, when in truth they are not nearly as observant as the female characters. Susan Glaspell uses a quilt as a symbol to further reinforce her argument. Before the murder of her husband occurred, Minnie was making a quilt. “Mrs. Hale notices that the quilt was a log cabin pattern (Glaspell, 164)”. The log cabin pattern is significant because it suggests a notion of restriction and emptiness due to the squares being enclosed and empty. There is no evidence that the cabin is warm and comfortable, so the quilt personifies the restriction and negativity in their marital relationship. This is also humorous and an important part of the story because Minnie is suspected to have used a knotted rope to kill her husband. As Mrs. Hale was asking her question, the men overhear her and laugh at her interest of whether or not the blanket “would be knotted or quilted.”(Glaspell 169) This pertains to the arrogant attitude of Mr. Wright refl... ... middle of paper ... ...ad to his death by her hands. The symbolisms of the unfinished quilt and canary created by Susan Glaspell clearly identify such standards that are present in this society. While the bird represented the last living joys of Minnie’s life the quilt juxtaposed the struggle and loneliness. When all the joys of life is taken away from you it leaves a sense of despair with nothing to live for driving Minnie into insanity. The men’s pompous attitude causes the women to feel defensive and form ranks. Not only do Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters bond, but they choose to hide evidence as an act of compassion for Minnie. Stealing the box with the dead bird is an act of loyalty to their gender and an act of defiance against a callous patriarchal society. Works Cited Glaspell, Susan. "Trifles." Literature: A Pocket Anthology. 2nd Canadian ed. Toronto: Penguin, 2008. 161-171. Print.

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