Trifles Setting: an Exploration of Symbolism and Gender Roles

Trifles, a one-act play written by Susan Glaspell in 1916, is a captivating piece of literature that delves into the complexities of gender roles and societal expectations in early 20th-century rural America. While the play's dialogue and character development are undoubtedly significant, the setting itself plays a crucial role in conveying the underlying themes and messages. This essay will examine the symbolism embedded in the setting of Trifles and how it contributes to the exploration of gender roles, highlighting the importance of the farmhouse, the kitchen, and the birdcage as key elements. Through a close analysis of these elements, it becomes evident that the setting in Trifles serves as a microcosm of the prevalent gender inequalities of the time.

The farmhouse in Trifles is not merely a backdrop for the action; it embodies the isolation and disconnection experienced by the play's female characters. The audience is introduced to a gloomy and neglected setting, evoking a sense of abandonment. The description of the farmhouse as "deserted" and "left without having been put in order" (Glaspell) immediately sets the tone for the play and establishes a contrast between the seemingly idyllic countryside and the reality of domestic life for women.

Moreover, the farmhouse becomes a symbol of Mrs. Wright's isolation within her marriage. The disheveled state of the house represents her neglected emotional state and her detachment from the outside world. The fact that Mrs. Wright's life is confined to the farmhouse reflects the limited roles and opportunities available to women during that era. The setting, therefore, plays a crucial role in highlighting the repressive nature of gender roles in early 20th-century society.

While the farmhouse is portrayed as a place of confinement and despair, the kitchen within it serves as a space of empowerment for the women in Trifles. In this male-dominated society, the kitchen is the domain of women, and it becomes a place where they can assert their agency and exercise their power. As the characters gather in the kitchen to investigate the crime scene, they form a tight-knit community, united by their shared experiences and the understanding of their marginalization.

The kitchen becomes a safe haven where the women can freely express themselves without the presence of men. It is here that they uncover crucial evidence that the men overlook due to their dismissive attitudes towards women's concerns. The jars of preserved fruit, for instance, serve as a metaphor for the preservation of women's stories and experiences, hidden away from the prying eyes of men. The setting of the kitchen, therefore, not only provides a backdrop for the action but also serves as a powerful symbol of female solidarity and resistance against gender oppression.

One of the most striking elements of the setting in Trifles is the birdcage, which represents the entrapment of women within the confines of their domestic lives. Mrs. Wright's pet bird, canary, becomes a poignant symbol of her lost freedom and silenced voice. The birdcage, previously filled with life and song, now lies empty, mirroring Mrs. Wright's own desolation.

Through the birdcage, Glaspell emphasizes the suffocating nature of the gender expectations placed upon women. Just as the canary was trapped in its cage, women of that era were trapped in their prescribed roles as wives and homemakers. The setting of the birdcage, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of the emotional and psychological confinement experienced by women during that time.

The setting in Trifles plays a crucial role in conveying the underlying themes of gender roles and societal expectations. Through the symbolism of the farmhouse, the kitchen, and the birdcage, Susan Glaspell crafts a powerful narrative that explores the complexities of women's experiences in early 20th-century America. The setting serves as a microcosm of the prevailing gender inequalities, highlighting the isolation and disconnection experienced by women, as well as their resilience and ability to find empowerment within their limited spheres. Trifles reminds us of the importance of challenging societal norms and expectations, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Bibliography

Glaspell, Susan. Trifles. Literature for Composition: Essays, Stories, Poems, and Plays, edited by Sylvan Barnet et al., 11th ed., Bedford/St. Martin's, 2017, pp. 1150-1162.