Trifles: A Summary of Susan Glaspell's Classic Play

Bookey En(Book Review and Notes)

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 ultimately suggests that women's perspectives are valuable and should not be ignored.
Overall, "Trifles" explores themes of gender, power, and perception, and challenges the idea that women's contributions are unimportant. It serves as a powerful statement about the need to value and respect women's perspectives and experiences.
Trifles Theme

One of the central themes in Susan Glaspell's play "Trifles" is the silencing of women's voices and experiences. Throughout the play, the male characters dismiss the women's concerns and observations as insignificant and unimportant. This is reflected in the title of the play, as the men refer to the women's interest in domestic matters and details as "trifles". However, the women's attention to these seemingly small details ultimately leads them to uncover important evidence that helps to solve the murder case.
Another theme in the play is the impact of isolation and loneliness on individuals. The character of Mrs. Wright is portrayed as a lonely and isolated woman, and it is suggested that this isolation may have contributed to her alleged crime. The play also explores the theme of justice, as the women must choose between following the letter of the law and protecting Mrs. Wright, who they believe was driven to commit the murder by her husband's actions.
Overall, "Trifles" explores the different ways in which women are marginalized and oppressed in society, and highlights the importance of listening to and valuing women's perspectives and experiences.
Chapter 6 Various Alternate Resources

1. "Trifles" study guide on SparkNotes - SparkNotes offers a detailed analysis of the play, including summaries of each act, key themes, and character breakdowns.
2. "Trifles" critical essay collection on JSTOR - JSTOR provides access to a variety of scholarly essays and articles related to "Trifles" and Susan Glaspell's work.
3. "Trifles" audiobook on Audible - Audible offers the option to listen to an audio version of the play for those who prefer to consume content through audio.
4. "Trifles" movie adaptation on Amazon Prime Video - Amazon Prime Video may have a movie adaptation of "Trifles" available for streaming.
5. "Trifles" character analysis videos on YouTube - YouTube hosts various videos discussing the characters in "Trifles" and their significance in the play.
6. "Trifles" ebook on Kindle - Amazon Kindle offers a digital version of "Trifles" that can be downloaded and read on various devices.
7. "Trifles" production reviews on The New York Times - The New York Times may have reviews of recent productions of "Trifles" that provide insight into different interpretations of the play.
8. "Trifles" podcast episodes on Spotify - Spotify offers podcasts that discuss literature, including episodes that focus on "Trifles" and its themes.
9. "Trifles" online forum discussions on Reddit - Reddit has active forums where users can engage in discussions about "Trifles," sharing insights and opinions about the play.
10. "Trifles" online study group on Facebook - Facebook groups can be a great place to connect with others who are studying or interested in "Trifles," allowing for discussions and sharing resources.
Chapter 7 Quotes of Trifles

Trifles quotes as follows:
1. "Well, women are used to worrying over trifles."
2. "We know what stillness is, we who have just listened to the tramp of feet moving away."
3. "She worried about the unnaturalness of her way of entering the room."
4. "I didn't know but what she was going to make a fuss about my clothes."
5. "But I tell you, Mrs. Peters, I know what stillness is. When we homesteaded in Dakota, and my first baby died—after he was two years old—and me with no other than the one, I thought my heart would break."
6. Mrs. Hale: "We all go through the same, I suppose."
7. "This is where he died... I wish you could have known John Wright."
8. "What do you suppose she was so nervous about?"
9. "Sure, I said, why not? But as I was going to ask how she felt about it, she broke down, and told me not to talk—she didn't realize she was doing it. She was rushed and began to cry."
10. "She worried about her fruit."
Chapter 8 Books with a Similar Theme as Trifles

1. "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman - A haunting short story about a woman's descent into madness, similar to the themes of female oppression and isolation found in "Trifles."
2. "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin - A groundbreaking novel about a woman's struggle for independence and self-discovery in a stifling society, echoing the themes of female empowerment in "Trifles."
3. "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston - A powerful novel about a black woman's quest for identity and autonomy in the face of societal restrictions, resonating with the themes of race and gender in "Trifles."
4. "Beloved" by Toni Morrison - A haunting and deeply emotional novel about a former slave haunted by her past, exploring themes of trauma, memory, and the lasting impact of slavery in America.
5. "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood - A chilling dystopian novel that explores a society where women are stripped of their rights and identities, drawing parallels to the suppression and marginalization of women in "Trifles."