Patriarchy In Trifles

These women are constantly patronized by the men, who condescendingly taunt them for their domestic role. At one point, Mrs. Hale attempts to stand up for Minnie’s lack of cleanliness, saying, “Those towels get dirty awful quick. Men’s hands aren’t always as clean as they might be” (Glaspell 1158). The county attorney disregards her comment, saying, “Ah, loyal to your sex, I see” (1158). In light of this treatment, it is not surprising that the women hide their discoveries at the end of the play. The patronizing, restrictive views of men make them feel devalued. Even their empathetic method of investigation, which Holstein emphasizes so much, is restrictive. As stereotypical caregivers, women are generally expected to be caring and understanding. Therefore, their behavior is simply a result of patriarchal gender norms.

I think they have defied stereotypes to an extent, but I would not call them “empowered.” Not only are the two women devalued by their husbands, who represent the patriarchy in its entirety, but they also devalue themselves. When they start exploring the kitchen, Mrs. Hale comments, “I don’t know as there’s anything so strange, our takin’ up our time with little things while we’re waiting for them to get the evidence,” to which Mrs. Peters replies, “Of course, they’ve got awful important things on their minds” (Glaspell 1161). Holstein notes that the women “ultimately find power in being devalued, for their low status allows them to keep quiet at the play’s end” (284). Their low status does not “allow” them to stay quiet, but rather it forces them. Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale are not exercising some newfound power in their silence because they are never given the opportunity to speak in the first