"Trifles," Susan Glaspell's play, suggests the concerns of women are merely trifles -- issues that are of no significant value to society. Glaspell's tension-filled drama questions the value of men's and women's perspectives on the role of women in society. The male perspective that what women think is unimportant is seen in the men's rigid views of the bedroom as the only important scene of the crime. It leads their investigation away from the kitchen and in essence, away from evidence.
A Woman's Role
"Trifles" was written in 1916, a time when women's roles in society were thought to be beneath men. Throughout the play, the men's comments reveal they regard women's remarks and opinions as irrelevant. Through dialogue, the play shows men have disrespect for women's roles and consider homemaking a worthless job. An example of this attitude is displayed by Mr. Henderson, the county attorney, when he kicks pans from underneath the sink after failing to find a clean towel then comments that Mrs. Wright was a poor housekeeper. The play ends with the women forming a comradery and challenging the status quo of male authority by hiding evidence and making it harder to prove Mrs. Wright’s guilt.
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