Trifles

Definition

In the context of American realism in theater, 'trifles' refers to the seemingly insignificant details or aspects of life that often reveal deeper truths about human nature and societal issues. The term emphasizes how mundane or overlooked elements can carry profound meanings and illustrate the complexities of characters and their environments, especially in the lives of women during this era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Trifles' is also the title of a one-act play by Susan Glaspell, which explores themes of gender roles and social justice through the lens of a murder investigation.
2. In 'Trifles', the men dismiss the women's concerns about household items, unaware that these 'trifles' hold crucial evidence related to the crime.
3. The play showcases how women's experiences and perspectives were often undervalued in society, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging these overlooked details.
4. Susan Glaspell wrote 'Trifles' based on a real-life murder case she reported on as a young journalist, adding authenticity to the themes presented in the play.
5. The play is considered a significant work in feminist literature, as it highlights the struggles and resilience of women in a patriarchal society.

Review Questions

• How do the trifles in Susan Glaspell's play reflect the broader themes of gender roles and societal expectations?
  • 'Trifles' highlights how societal expectations often minimize women's experiences and contributions. In the play, the men overlook household items as unimportant, while the women recognize their significance. This contrast illustrates how women's roles were traditionally undervalued, yet these trifles ultimately reveal critical truths about the central character's motives and struggles, effectively challenging societal norms.
• In what ways does Susan Glaspell use symbolism within the trifles to enhance the narrative of the play?
  • Glaspell uses symbols found in domestic items to deepen the narrative by showcasing their hidden meanings. For instance, the broken birdcage represents confinement and loss, while the dead canary symbolizes freedom taken away from Minnie Wright. These symbols embedded in the trifles allow viewers to glean insights into Minnie’s life and emotional state, emphasizing that what may seem trivial actually holds vital relevance to understanding her actions.
• Critically assess how 'Trifles' serves as a commentary on early 20th-century American society and its treatment of women through its portrayal of seemingly insignificant details.
  • 'Trifles' acts as a poignant commentary on early 20th-century American society by demonstrating how women were relegated to domestic roles and their insights often dismissed as trivial. The play emphasizes that these insignificant details—such as sewing patterns or broken jars—reflect broader societal issues like isolation and oppression. By illuminating these trifles as essential components of women's lives, Glaspell critiques a patriarchal system that overlooks women's experiences, thus advocating for greater recognition of their voices and realities.

Related terms

Realism: A movement in literature and theater that aims to depict everyday life accurately, focusing on ordinary characters and events to highlight social realities.

Symbolism:

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, allowing objects or actions within a narrative to convey deeper meanings beyond their literal interpretation.

Domestic Sphere: A term that refers to the home and family life, often associated with traditional roles assigned to women, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.