Trifles by Susan Glaspell, a d'moiselles production in NYC

Summary

In this intriguing play, a character represents playwright Susan Glaspell, reflecting on her creation of 'Trifles,' which examines the lives of women in the early 20th century. Set in a farmhouse kitchen, the narrative unfolds through a conversation among men investigating a murder, juxtaposed with the insights of two women who uncover critical evidence overlooked by the men. The dialogue reveals themes of gender roles, domesticity, and the emotional struggles of women, particularly highlighting the protagonist, Mrs. Wright, whose isolation and loss resonate deeply. The play masterfully critiques societal perceptions of women and their experiences.

Takeaways

• 🎭 The speaker, Melinda, represents Susan Glaspell, the playwright of 'Trifles,' and shares insights about the play's creation and themes.
• 📅 'Trifles' was written in 1916, reflecting societal issues faced by women at the time, particularly the lack of voting rights.
• 🏡 The play is set in a farmhouse kitchen around the year 1900, highlighting domestic life and women's roles.
• 🕵️‍♂️ The narrative includes a murder investigation, with various characters, including the County Attorney and the Sheriff, discussing the crime scene.
• 🔍 Mrs. Wright, the accused, is portrayed as detached and passive, indicating her mental state after the murder of her husband, John Wright.
• 🦜 The dead bird discovered in the story symbolizes Mrs. Wright's lost freedom and happiness, paralleling her own life.
• 👩‍🤝‍👩 The interactions between the women characters reveal their shared experiences and understanding of each other's struggles.
• 📜 The men in the play overlook critical evidence, dismissing women's concerns as trivial, showcasing gender biases.
• 🔗 The dialogue emphasizes themes of isolation, oppression, and the silent struggles women face in a patriarchal society.
• ⚖️ The play concludes with an exploration of justice, questioning whether the law truly serves to protect the vulnerable.

Q & A

Who is the narrator in the play and what role does she represent?

The narrator is an actor representing Susan Glaspell, who wrote the play 'Trifles' in 1916. The narrator mentions her background as a journalist and playwright.

What is the setting of the play 'Trifles'?

The play takes place in the kitchen of a very old farmhouse around the year 1900.

What significant historical context is provided regarding women's rights?

The narrator highlights that in 1916, women in the United States did not have the right to vote, adding depth to the themes of gender roles and societal expectations in the play.

What event is being investigated in the play?

The investigation revolves around the death of John Wright, who was found dead with a rope around his neck, suggesting foul play.

How does Mrs. Wright react to the questions about her husband’s death?

Mrs. Wright appears detached and unresponsive, showing signs of being in shock or distress, as she does not seem to comprehend the gravity of the situation.

What is the significance of the kitchen items mentioned in the script?

The kitchen items, including preserves and sewing materials, symbolize the domestic life and struggles of women, highlighting how these details may hold clues to the motive behind the murder.

What role do the men in the play take, and how do they perceive the women's concerns?

The men, including Mr. Henderson and Mr. Peters, focus on the investigation and view the women's concerns about domestic matters as trivial, illustrating the gender dynamics of the time.

What does the broken door signify in the context of the play?

The broken door may symbolize the underlying tension and conflict in Mrs. Wright's life, hinting at possible abuse or struggle within her marriage.

How do Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters relate to Mrs. Wright throughout the play?

Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters empathize with Mrs. Wright's situation, recognizing the challenges she faced as a woman in a repressive environment, which leads them to question the justice system's treatment of her.

What thematic elements are explored in the play 'Trifles'?

The play explores themes of gender roles, isolation, justice, and the overlooked contributions of women, demonstrating how domestic spaces can reflect deeper societal issues.