The Strength of Women in Trifles

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Recommended: Gender in 20th century English literature

During the 1900’s women were viewed as nothing more than house wives. They were expected to cook, clean, and take care of their children and husbands. The lack of respect women received during this time is extremely evident in “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell. In this play women are depicted as incapable, and these ladies are very much aware of this. Mrs. Peters, the sheriff’s wife practically says throughout the play we cannot do this we are women, and she seems quite content with that; whereas Mrs. Hale is a little edgier, and converts Mrs. Peters to the “dark side.” This play is not only a great read, but a great example of the lack of knowledge men give to women, the unity of women, and the women’s rebelliousness to their insignificant status.

Women were thought to be nothing more than something to look at during this time. Their brains are considered to have little to no importance, because it is nowhere near as good as a man’s. The title of this play “Trifles” has two definitions. The noun version means something of little value, substance, or importance, and the verb version means to talk in a jesting or mocking manner or with intent to delude or mislead (Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online). Both definitions are exactly the way the men feel about these women. During the play Mr. Hale says “Well, women are used to worrying over trifles” (Glaspell, 1283). He is directly stating that women worry about little things, and that they’re responsibilities are far less superior to those of men. What women must do during a day is seen as unimportant and therefore saying anyone could do it. The County Attorney then states “Dirty Towels! Not much of a housekeeper, would you say ladies?” after washing his hands (1283). Mrs....

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...k of the murder of her husband happened. The things the men and women say and do show how the strength of women was far more advanced than what the men of this time believed it to be, and that is the main theme of “Trifles”.

Works Cited

Glaspell, Susan. “Trifles.” Literature: Approaches to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. Edited Robert DiYanni. 2nd Edition. New York: McGraw Hill, 2008. 1281-1290.

"Trifles - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary." Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online. Web. 30 Nov. 2010. .

"Women In The Early To Mid-20Th Century (1900-1960) - Introduction." Feminism in Literature. Ed. Jessica Bomarito and Jeffrey W. Hunter. Gale Cengage, 2006. eNotes.com. 2006. 30 Nov, 2010

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