Susan Glaspell's "Trifles": Suspect or Victim?

Paper Summary:

This critical paper explores Susan Glaspell's first drama, "Trifles", a murder and investigation story. Within the plot lies the undertone of sexual discrimination and the effects it had upon women. Although murder is not a justifiable action, no matter what the offense may be, "Trifles" generates sympathy towards the murderer for what she has been through and makes the reader feel less like she was the suspect and more like she was the victim.

From the Paper:

"Susan Glaspell's first drama, Trifles, was written on one afternoon in 1916 as Glaspell sat in an empty theater staring at an empty stage. Based on her memories of a murder trial she covered in earlier days as a reporter, Trifles is a story of murder, evidence, and justice. However, underneath the outer facts, emotions, oppressions, and motives are exposed. Two of the major themes developed in the plot of Trifles are the physical and psychological oppressions suffered by the women of the early 1900s and the significance of a male-dominated civilization. Trifles gives the reader a perfect example of how the suspect of a story can evolve into a victim as the plot develops and the inner emotions are revealed."

More papers on Susan Glaspell's "Trifles": Suspect or Victim?:

• Book Review # 104339 : "Susan Glaspell's "A Jury of Her Peers"
• Book Review # 97734 : "Susan Glaspell's Mystery Character: Minnie Wright"
• Analytical Essay # 106621 : "Play: Susan Glaspell's "Trifles"

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