PLAY
1. Trifles
by Susan Glaspell
GEORGE HENDERSON, County Attorney
HENRY PETERS, Sheriff and husband of Mrs. Peters
LEWIS HALE, a neighbouring farmer of the Wrights
MRS. PETERS, Wife of the sheriff
MRS. HALE, Neighbour to the Wrights and wife of Lewis
Hale
SUMMARY
In the gripping play "The Investigation of
Trifles," written by an anonymous playwright, the audience is taken on a
journey through a chilling murder investigation that reveals deeper truths
about society's treatment of women and the complexities of human relationships.
The narrative centers around the murder of John Wright, found dead in his
farmhouse, and the subsequent investigation that unfolds.
As the play commences, Lewis Hale and Sheriff Henry
Peters are on the scene of the crime, with George Henderson, the province
lawyer, joining them. The discovery of John Wright's lifeless body marks the
beginning of a quest to find the killer. However, what sets this play apart is
the underlying focus on the women present during the investigation,
particularly Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, who stand quietly in the background.
The two women serve as a stark contrast to the
indifferent and dismissive attitudes of the men towards what they perceive as
"trifles" or inconsequential matters. This attitude is evident when
George Henderson belittles the broken fruit preserve container, symbolizing the
disregard for women's concerns. This prompts Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale to form
a bond, united by their shared experiences and an understanding of the
challenges faced by women in their community.
As the men focus on conventional investigative
procedures, the women quietly begin their own examination. They delve into the life
of Mrs. Wright, John Wright's wife, who seems to be acting strangely after her
husband's death. Through their exploration, the women uncover a series of
subtle but profound details that reveal Mrs. Wright's unhappiness and isolation
in her marriage. They sympathize with her plight and come to believe that she
may be the key to solving the murder.
The play deftly explores the theme of isolation and
confinement, symbolized by the empty birdcage found in Mrs. Wright's sewing
basket. This prompts them to ponder what may have caused the bird's
disappearance and its connection to Mr. Wright's death. As they unravel the
mystery, they discover a dead canary with a broken neck, mirroring the
circumstances of John Wright's demise.
In this moment, the women face a moral dilemma. They
have stumbled upon crucial evidence that could potentially identify the
murderer, but it also implicates Mrs. Wright. The contrasting reactions of the
men and women to the discovery of the dead bird highlight the play's central
theme of understanding the female experience and the weight of societal
expectations.
Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale decide to protect Mrs.
Wright by concealing the damning evidence, choosing solidarity with their
fellow woman over loyalty to the investigation. This act becomes an act of
rebellion against the oppressive patriarchal norms of their time. The play
presents a compelling commentary on the importance of empathy, understanding,
and the acknowledgment of the struggles faced by women in a male-dominated society.
"The Investigation of Trifles" goes beyond a
simple murder mystery. It is a poignant exploration of the human condition,
highlighting the power of compassion and solidarity, even in the face of
adversity. Through its rich character development and masterful storytelling,
the play challenges societal norms, forcing the audience to confront their own
prejudices and preconceived notions.
In conclusion, "The Investigation of
Trifles" is a thought-provoking play that weaves a complex tale of murder,
investigation, and societal expectations. Through the eyes of its female
characters, the play sheds light on the often-overlooked nuances of human
behavior and the strength that can be found in unity. It serves as a timely
reminder that beneath what may seem like trifles lies the potential for
profound truths and understanding.
Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.
a. Do you believe that Mrs.
Wright killed her husband? Explain.
In the play "The Investigation of Trifles,"
the belief that Mrs. Wright is the murderer is supported by the insightful
investigation conducted by Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters. Through their careful
examination of seemingly trivial details, they uncover a deeper narrative
surrounding Mrs. Wright's discontentment and isolation in her marriage. The
broken fruit preserve container and the dead canary with a broken neck serve as
symbolic representations of the strained relationship between Mrs. Wright and
her husband, John Wright. These women, dismissed by the men as merely focusing
on trifles, display remarkable empathy and understanding of the complex
emotions that drove Mrs. Wright to commit the crime. Their thorough
investigation ultimately reveals the truth beneath the surface, painting a
compelling picture of Mrs. Wright as a murderer driven to desperation and
despair. The play's exploration of gender roles and societal expectations adds
depth to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking examination of human
behavior and the consequences of neglecting women's concerns.
b. Do you think Mr. Wright’s
death would have been uncovered if Mr. Hale hadn’t stopped by the Wrights’
home?
It is highly unlikely that Mr. Wright's death would
have been uncovered if Mr. Hale hadn't stopped by the Wrights' home. Mr. Hale's
visit to the farmhouse was crucial because it initiated the chain of events
that led to the discovery of the murder. When Mr. Hale visited the house to
inquire about Mr. Wright's participation in the telephone line repair, he
encountered Mrs. Wright acting peculiarly and claiming her husband was dead
upstairs, killed in his sleep. Without Mr. Hale's presence and report to the
neighbor sheriff, Henry Peters, the authorities would not have been alerted to investigate
the situation. The subsequent arrival of Sheriff Peters and George Henderson,
the province lawyer, at the farmhouse triggered the formal investigation,
during which Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters began their own examination. It was
through their efforts that crucial evidence was uncovered, providing insights
into Mrs. Wright's potential motives and leading to the suspicion that she may
have been the perpetrator. Mr. Hale's unexpected visit was the catalyst for
uncovering the truth behind Mr. Wright's death, making his presence at the
Wrights' home a pivotal moment in the play's narrative.
c. Why does Mrs. Hale think
that Mrs. Wright’s worries about her preserves indicate her innocence?
Mrs. Hale thinks that Mrs. Wright's worries about her
preserves indicate her innocence because it shows her emotional investment in
something that brought her joy. Amidst the men's dismissive attitude towards
women's concerns, Mrs. Hale sees the significance of the broken fruit preserve
container as a reflection of Mrs. Wright's distress and attachment to small
pleasures in her challenging life with Mr. Wright. This observation humanizes
Mrs. Wright and makes her appear more innocent in Mrs. Hale's eyes. It leads
Mrs. Hale to consider the possibility that Mrs. Wright's actions were driven by
feelings of isolation and despair, encouraging a deeper understanding of the
complexities of human emotions and motivations in the investigation.
d. How does Mrs. Peters’
homesteading experience connect her to Mrs. Wright?
Mrs. Peters' homesteading experience connects her to
Mrs. Wright through shared rural living, similar domestic responsibilities, and
an understanding of the community's unspoken norms. Both women have likely
faced isolation and limited social interactions in their rural settings,
fostering empathy between them. As homesteaders, they would have handled
household tasks independently, allowing Mrs. Peters to relate to the challenges
Mrs. Wright might have encountered as a homemaker. This shared background also
equips Mrs. Peters to comprehend the societal pressures and expectations that
may have influenced Mrs. Wright's actions. Through their common experiences as
rural women, Mrs. Peters gains a deeper insight into Mrs. Wright's life,
fostering a connection that reveals the complexities of her character and the
motivations behind her behavior.
e. How do the women’s
perspectives on men differ?
The women's perspectives on men in the play differ
significantly from those of the male characters. While the men, represented by
Lewis Hale, Sheriff Henry Peters, and lawyer George Henderson, display
dismissive and patronizing attitudes towards women, considering their concerns
as trivial, the women, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, show a more empathetic and
understanding view. The women's perspective recognizes the importance of
seemingly insignificant details, as they believe these "trifles" can
reveal deeper truths about human emotions and motivations. They see through the
patriarchal norms and understand the challenges women face in their marriages
and society. This contrast in perspectives highlights the gender disparities
and the women's resilience in finding solidarity in the face of male
chauvinism, ultimately guiding them towards uncovering the truth about Mrs.
Wright's actions and her motivations for the crime.
Reference to the
context
Read the extract from the
play given below and answer the questions that follow:
a. “MRS. PETERS: (glancing
around). Seems funny to think of a bird here. But she must have had one, or why
would she have a cage? I wonder what happened to it?
MRS. HALE: I s’pose maybe
the cat got it.”
i. Who does ‘she’ refer to?
'She' refers to Mrs. Wright.
ii. What does the word ‘one’ stand for?
The word 'one' stands for a bird.
iii. What is the full form of “s’pose”
The full form of "s'pose" is
"suppose."
iv. What do you mean when Mrs. Hale says,
“the cat got it”?
When Mrs. Hale says, "the cat got it", I
mean "the cat must have caught the bird."
b. “MRS. HALE: Wright was
close. …… she used to wear pretty clothes and be lively, when she was Minnie
Foster, one of the town girls singing in the choir But that— oh, that was
thirty years ago.”
i. Why does Mrs. Hale refer to Mrs. Wright
as “Minnie Foster”?
Mrs. Hale refers to Mrs. Wright as "Minnie
Foster" because, before her marriage, Mrs. Wright was a very beautiful
singer. She was known as Minnie Foster, and she used to dress pretty and sing
in the choir.
ii. What does her description tell you
about Mrs. Wright?
Mrs. Wright was a beautiful singer before her
marriage, according to her description. Her name was Minnie Foster, who used to
sing beautifully and wear pretty clothes thirty years ago.
iii. What does Mrs. Hale mean by “that was
thirty years ago”?
By "that was thirty years ago", Mrs.
Hale refers to the period in Mrs. Wright's life when she was an unmarried and
well-known singer known as Minnie Foster.
c. What is the main theme of
the play?
The main theme of the play "Trifles"
revolves around the complexities of gender roles and the consequences of
neglecting women's concerns. The play explores the stark contrast between the
dismissive attitude of male characters towards seemingly trivial matters,
referred to as "trifles," and the profound insights and empathy shown
by the female characters, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters. It delves into the ways in
which societal expectations and norms can oppress and isolate women, leading to
feelings of desperation and despair. The play highlights the importance of
understanding the nuances of human emotions and motivations, especially those
of women, challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for greater
empathy and recognition of women's experiences in the pursuit of justice.
d. Discuss the symbolism
used in the play.
In the play, "The Investigation of Trifles,"
symbolism is used effectively to convey underlying meanings and themes. Several
objects hold symbolic significance, adding depth to the narrative. The quilt,
with its unfinished state, represents Minnie's fate and the gradual revelation
of crucial information leading to the discovery of the murder. The birdcage
symbolizes Mr. Wright's oppressive treatment of Minnie, restricting her social
interactions and freedom. The rocking chair becomes a symbol of Minnie's
attempt to appear composed and hide her emotions after committing the crime.
Lastly, the dead bird, carefully preserved in a beautiful box, indicates its
value to its owner and points to a different culprit, exonerating Minnie.
Through these symbols, the play explores themes of
isolation, oppression, and the complexities of human emotions. The objects
serve as clues, leading the women to uncover the truth behind the murder and
challenging societal norms and perceptions. Symbolism enriches the play,
allowing the audience to delve deeper into the characters' psyches and the
underlying messages of the story.
e. Discuss the setting of
the play. Does it have an impact on the theme of the play?
The setting of "The Investigation of
Trifles" plays a significant role in shaping the themes of the play. The
story is set in a rural farmhouse, reflecting the isolated and confined lives
of the characters, especially the women. The remote setting underscores the
limited social interactions and lack of support for women, emphasizing the
gender disparities and the oppressive nature of patriarchal society.
The farmhouse's environment also highlights the theme
of hidden truths and overlooked details. The seemingly mundane and ordinary
objects in the setting, such as the broken fruit preserve container and the
dead bird, serve as symbolic clues that are easily dismissed by the male
characters but hold immense significance for the women in uncovering the truth
about Mrs. Wright's actions. The rural farmhouse setting enhances the
exploration of gender roles, societal norms, and the power of symbolism in the
play, impacting the themes and driving the narrative forward.
Reference beyond the text
a. The credibility of a
character is determined not only by the character’s thoughts and actions but also
by what other characters say and think about him or her. Discuss in relation to
the characters of Trifles.
In the play "Trifles," the credibility of
the characters is shaped not only by their own thoughts and actions but also by
how other characters perceive and talk about them. The interplay of dialogue
and interactions between characters provides crucial insights into their
personalities, motivations, and the dynamics of their relationships.
One such character is Mrs. Wright, who is at the
center of the murder investigation. While she doesn't appear on stage, her
credibility is established through the perceptions and remarks of others. The
men in the play, Sheriff Peters, County Attorney Henderson, and Mr. Hale,
dismiss Mrs. Wright's concerns about her preserves and focus on the apparent
motive of a broken birdcage, highlighting their tendency to overlook the
significance of seemingly trivial matters. Their disregard for Mrs. Wright's
feelings and emotions contributes to the audience's understanding of her
isolation and potential motive for the crime.
On the other hand, the female characters, Mrs. Hale
and Mrs. Peters, demonstrate a greater understanding of Mrs. Wright's
situation. Through their conversations and reactions to the evidence they find,
they humanize her and show empathy towards her struggles. Their credibility is
established by their astute observations and the symbolic connections they make
between Mrs. Wright's state of mind and the broken birdcage and dead bird.
Mr. Hale's credibility is also determined by the
perceptions of others. While he initially presents himself as a neutral
witness, his conversation with the County Attorney reveals his presumptuous
attitude towards women. This undermines his credibility as an objective
observer and adds to the play's exploration of gender dynamics and male
chauvinism.
The contrasting views of the male and female
characters regarding the significance of "trifles" also play a
significant role in establishing credibility. The men dismiss the women's
observations and interpretations of the evidence, while the women consider
these details as vital pieces of the puzzle. This contrast underscores the
power dynamics and the tendency to underestimate women's intelligence and
abilities, impacting the audience's perception of each character's credibility.
The credibility of the characters in
"Trifles" is intricately woven through the lens of other characters'
perceptions and remarks. The play skillfully explores the impact of gender
roles and societal expectations on how characters are perceived and treated,
shedding light on the complexities of human behavior and motivations. The
interactions and dialogue among the characters reveal their biases, prejudices,
and empathy, ultimately shaping the audience's understanding of the characters
and their roles in the unfolding narrative.
b. Dramatic irony occurs
when the reader or audience has information that is unknown to the characters
in a play; it creates tension and suspense. Analyse the play discussing the
author’s use of dramatic irony based on these questions:
a. What information is crucial to the play
Trifles?
In "Trifles," crucial information revolves
around the murder of John Wright and the investigation that unfolds. Key
details include the discovery of Mr. Wright's lifeless body, the peculiar
behavior of his wife, Mrs. Wright, as observed by Lewis Hale, the neighbor. The
broken fruit preserve container and the dead canary with a broken neck are
symbolic clues that play a vital role in unraveling Mrs. Wright's emotional
turmoil and potential motive for the crime. The contrasting perspectives of the
male and female characters on what they consider "trifles" are also
crucial, as it sheds light on the gender dynamics and societal expectations
that shape the investigation. These critical pieces of information lead to the
uncovering of hidden truths and the ultimate understanding of Mrs. Wright's
actions and character.
b. How does the playwright use this
information to create dramatic irony?
The playwright creates dramatic irony in
"Trifles" by strategically revealing certain information to the
audience while keeping it hidden from the male characters investigating the
murder. The audience is privy to the women's observations and interpretations of
the seemingly insignificant details, such as the broken fruit preserve
container and the dead canary. As the men dismiss these observations as mere
"trifles," the audience gains a deeper understanding of their
symbolic significance and their connection to Mrs. Wright's emotional state and
potential motive for the crime. This contrast between the audience's knowledge
and the ignorance of the male characters creates tension and suspense,
enhancing the dramatic irony as the women's deductions and insights lead them
closer to the truth behind the murder.
c. What effect does the dramatic irony
have on the audience and on the play?
The dramatic irony in "Trifles" has a
profound effect on the audience and the play. As the audience becomes aware of
the symbolic significance of the seemingly trivial details that the male
characters dismiss, it creates a sense of engagement and suspense. The audience
becomes emotionally invested in the women's investigation and feels a
connection to the unfolding mystery.
The dramatic irony also highlights the stark contrast
between the male and female perspectives, shedding light on gender dynamics and
societal biases. This not only adds depth to the narrative but also sparks
reflection on the significance of overlooking women's insights and experiences.
Ultimately, the dramatic irony heightens the tension, deepens the themes, and
adds layers of complexity to the play, leaving the audience with a
thought-provoking and impactful theatrical experience.
Best of Luck
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