Trapped Seek Freedom In Trifles By Susan Glaspell

Those who are trapped seek freedom. “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it” (Abraham Lincoln). “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell is about a woman who is the main suspect of her husband’s murder. Though, the story is more centralized around the idea of a woman being trapped in an unhappy marriage that she could not escape. This took place during the late 1800’s in a male dominated country where they feel superior to women. Glaspell uses Minnie Wright’s marriage, environment, and behavior to showcase what it is like being trapped in a marriage that one cannot escape. As a reader, I pity and sympathize for Mrs. Wright; I feel sorry for her.

Minnie Wright, before known as Minnie Foster, is the sole suspect of her husband’s murder. Her husband who was cruel and kept her “locked” up in their home away from the outside world. Before her marriage to Mr. Wright, she had a cheerful and joyous life that she loved living. As a Foster, “she used to wear pretty clothes and be lively… one of the town girls singing in the choir” (1159). She no longer sings and wears pretty clothes anymore. Before becoming a

She had no way to escape. She was held back by her cruel husband, isolated from her friends and society. Her unhappy personality due to her marriage became evident in her home. Her kitchen was a complete mess with kitchenware all over the place and just plain filthy. Her marriage was far from happy. She was left secluded and lonely and timid. The thing that actually made her happy was her bird. A bird who was represented her and her happiness. She sang just as beautifully as did the bird. As a woman during the 1800’s, she had no power or control to take charge of her life because society during the time was dominated by men. When she finally took charge of her life, she committed a crime. Her crime being a woman. In the end, she finally gained her