Themes

Exploring Marriage as a Tool of Oppression, Gender Roles, Justice, and the Nature of Truth in Early 20th Century America: Insights from Susan Glaspell's "Trifles"

North Central College production of TRIFLES by Susan Glaspell

In the landscape of early 20th-century America, societal norms were rigidly defined, particularly regarding gender roles. Women were largely relegated to the domestic sphere, their contributions and insights often dismissed as trivial. Susan Glaspell’s play "Trifles," written in 1916, serves as a poignant critique of these social dynamics and stands as a feminist pioneer in American literature. It examines themes of Marriage as a Tool of Oppression, gender roles, justice, and the nature of truth in a patriarchal society.

Marriage as a Tool of Oppression 

In Susan Glaspell's play "Trifles," the theme of marriage as a tool of oppression is clearly shown through the character of Minnie Wright. Her life, once lively and full of promise, becomes one of confinement and sadness after marrying John Wright. Wright effectively keeps Minnie trapped for thirty years, using her as a houseworker, treating her poorly, and refusing to let her have anything that brings her joy. This theme helps us understand how marriage can limit women's freedom. Minnie Wright’s life is like that of a caged bird. Before her marriage, she was known as Minnie Foster, a cheerful woman who loved to sing. However, after marrying John Wright, she changed dramatically. The home that should have been a safe place became a prison, taking away her joy and independence. John Wright is controlling and discourages Minnie from socialising or pursuing her interests. This isolation leads to a life without happiness or companionship. However, a key symbol in the play is the dead canary, which represents Minnie’s lost happiness. The bird used to sing, much like Minnie did before her marriage. When John Wright kills the canary, it reflects how he stifles Minnie’s spirit and joy. 

In essence, the two women, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, can relate to Minnie's experience in her marriage, which makes it easier for them to connect the evidence, as the proverb "it takes one to know one" suggests. "...bad sewing always makes me fidgety,"  said Mrs Hale, after discovering an uneven quilt made by Minnie, which reflects her current state of mind. 

MRS. PETERS: .... I sometimes sew awful queer when I'm tired. 

Also,  women are primarily viewed as responsible for domestic work on the farm, reflecting early 20th-century societal attitudes. The County Attorney dismisses Minnie Wright by stating she was "not much of a housekeeper," highlighting a belief that a woman's worth is tied to her ability to maintain a home. This perspective reduces women to mere caretakers, ignoring their individuality and contributions beyond domestic roles.

Conversely, Mrs. Hale defends Minnie by pointing out, "there's a great deal of work to be done on a farm," acknowledging the demanding nature of farm life. The mention of "those towels get dirty awful quickly" emphasises the relentless cycle of chores women endure daily.

Gender Roles

In "Trifles," the female characters, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, represent the complexities of women's lives during this era. While the male characters, embodying authority and power, dismiss the women’s concerns as mere trifles, it is these very concerns that lead to the unravelling of the mystery. The play illustrates how the domestic space, often viewed as mundane, holds deeper truths about women's experiences.

The women’s ability to empathise with the accused, Mrs. Wright, reveals a shared understanding of the emotional and psychological oppression women faced. Their conversations, initially appearing inconsequential, highlight the nuances of female solidarity and the unrecognised strength women possess. This reflects a broader societal commentary: the undervaluation of women's voices and the importance of their experiences in understanding justice.

Feminist Pioneer

"Trifles" is often regarded as a pioneering work in feminist literature. It breaks ground by centring women’s perspectives and experiences, challenging the male-dominated narrative prevalent in many literary works of the time. Glaspell’s portrayal of women as astute observers and active participants in the quest for justice is revolutionary.

The play not only critiques the societal norms of the early 20th century but also empowers women by validating their experiences and insights. By showcasing the women’s ability to uncover the truth that eludes their male counterparts, Glaspell positions them as critical thinkers and agents of change. This emphasis on female unity and understanding has inspired countless feminist works and discussions, making "Trifles" a cornerstone of feminist literature.

Justice

The notion of justice in "Trifles" is complex and multifaceted. The men, who seek to uphold the law, are blind to the motives behind the crime. They focus on tangible evidence, such as the murder weapon, while dismissing the emotional landscape that led to the act. This highlights a critical flaw in the legal system: justice is not merely about the letter of the law but involves understanding the context and humanity of those involved.

Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, by uncovering the truth hidden in the kitchen—a dead canary, symbolising Mrs. Wright’s lost joy—come to understand the profound injustices Mrs. Wright faced. Their decision to conceal this evidence becomes an act of defiance against a flawed system that fails to recognise the complexities of women's lives. This raises important questions about moral versus legal justice, a theme that resonates in contemporary discussions about the justice system’s treatment of marginalised voices.

The Nature of Truth

Glaspell’s exploration of truth is intricately tied to perspective. The male characters operate under a narrow definition of truth, rooted in observable facts and logic. In contrast, the women’s understanding of truth is shaped by their lived experiences, highlighting the subjective nature of reality. This divergence underscores the play's central argument: truth is not absolute; it is influenced by context, emotion, and social dynamics. The play encourages audiences to consider whose truths are valued and whose are ignored. The women’s discovery of the canary and their choice to protect Mrs. Wright illuminate the idea that truth can be a tool for empowerment or oppression, depending on who wields it. In a society that often privileges male narratives, Glaspell challenges us to recognise and validate female experiences as equally significant.

Most importantly, "Trifles" remains a powerful commentary on the interplay between gender roles, justice, and the nature of truth. As a feminist pioneer, Glaspell’s insights into early 20th-century American society resonate today, urging us to reconsider how we define justice and the importance of diverse perspectives in our understanding of truth. As we reflect on the progress made since Glaspell's time, it is crucial to continue advocating for the voices that have historically been marginalised, ensuring that all truths are acknowledged and valued.

By examining and discussing these themes, we not only honour Glaspell’s work but also engage with ongoing conversations about gender, justice, and truth in our contemporary world.