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Trifles: A Summary of Susan Glaspell's Classic Play

Trifles: A Summary of Susan Glaspell's Classic Play



Chapter 1 What's Trifles

"Trifles" is a one-act play written by Susan Glaspell in 1916. The play tells the story of a murder investigation in a rural farmhouse and explores the role of women in society at that time. The female characters in the play, who are considered unimportant and insignificant by the male characters, ultimately solve the murder mystery by paying attention to "trifles" or small details that the men overlook. The play is seen as a feminist classic and has been praised for its exploration of gender roles and societal expectations.

Chapter 2 Is Trifles Recommended for Reading?

"Trifles" by Susan Glaspell is often considered a classic work of American drama and feminist literature. It explores themes of gender roles, isolation, and the nature of justice. Many readers appreciate the play for its well-crafted characters, evocative setting, and thought-provoking themes. Overall, "Trifles" is generally considered a good book by those who enjoy literary works that challenge traditional social norms and expectations.

Chapter 3 Trifles Summary

Trifles by Susan Glaspell is a one-act play that explores the roles of women in society and the consequences of gender inequality. The play is set in a farmhouse where a man named John Wright has been murdered in his sleep. The primary suspect is his wife, Minnie Wright, who is being held in custody.

As the sheriff, county attorney, and a neighbor named Hale investigate the crime scene, they pay little attention to the details that the women notice. While the men focus on finding hard evidence to convict Minnie, the women notice subtle clues that suggest a possible motive for the crime. They discover that Minnie was unhappy in her marriage and isolated from the outside world, which may have driven her to snap and kill her husband.

In the end, the women decide to hide the evidence they found to protect Minnie, knowing that the men would not understand or appreciate their perspective. Through their actions, the women demonstrate solidarity and empathy for Minnie, highlighting the importance of understanding and valuing the experiences of women in a male-dominated society.

Overall, Trifles is a powerful and thought-provoking play that challenges traditional gender roles and sheds light on the complexities of women's lives.

Chapter 4 Meet the Writer of Trifles

Trifles was written by Susan Glaspell, an American playwright, novelist, and journalist. She released the play in 1916. Glaspell has written several other works, including novels such as "The Verge" and "Fidelity", as well as plays like "The Outside" and "Inheritors". 

Among her works, "Trifles" is one of the most well-known and widely performed. It has been praised for its insightful commentary on gender roles and society, and has been adapted into different formats over the years. The play continues to be highly regarded in both academic and theatrical circles.

Chapter 5 Trifles Meaning & Theme

Trifles Meaning

"Trifles" by Susan Glaspell is a one-act play that explores gender roles and the importance of women's perspectives. The play follows a group of characters, including a sheriff and his wife, who investigate a murder at a farmhouse. The women in the group, who are often dismissed and belittled by the men, notice subtle details and clues that ultimately lead them to solve the mystery.

The title "Trifles" refers to the seemingly insignificant objects and observations that the women notice and the men overlook. Glaspell uses these trifles to highlight the way women's voices and experiences are often marginalized and dismissed in a male-dominated society. The play u


Published on 1 year, 5 months ago






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