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Cover of Plays

Plays

Written by Susan Glaspell

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American drama

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About this book

"Plays by Susan Glaspell" is a collection of dramatic works written in the early 20th century. This volume contains several one-act plays, including the well-known piece "Trifles," which explores themes of gender roles, social justice, and the complexities of human experience through the lives of its characters. The collection often revolves around women's perspectives and the societal issues they face, highlighting their experiences in a male-dominated society. The opening of the collection introduces "Trifles," setting the stage in a gloomy farmhouse where a group of men, including the County Attorney and Sheriff, are investigating the murder of John Wright. They are joined by their wives, Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale, who initially seem to occupy trivial roles. However, as the men dismiss various domestic objects as insignificant, the women begin to uncover deeper truths about Wright’s life and the emotional turmoil of his wife, Minnie. As the men search for tangible evidence, the women piece together the psychological narrative that ultimately reveals the motivations behind the crime, highlighting the theme of understanding versus ignorance across gender lines.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Plays, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • dark
  • mysterious
  • thought-provoking

Susan Glaspell's 'Plays' offers a powerful collection of early 20th-century dramatic works, profoundly exploring the intricate dynamics of gender, societal constraints, and human psychology. Through plays like 'Trifles,' 'The Outside,' and 'The Verge,' Glaspell masterfully illuminates the often-overlooked struggles and insights of women in a patriarchal society. Her narratives skillfully delve into the emotional depth of her protagonists, challenging conventional notions of truth, justice, and the significance of domestic life. The collection stands as a seminal contribution to feminist literature and American drama, inviting audiences to reconsider the value placed on different forms of knowledge and experience.

“"We live close together and we live far apart. We all have secrets we don't tell."”

Key themes

Gender Roles and Societal Expectations
Glaspell's plays profoundly critique the rigid gender roles and restrictive societal expectations placed upon women in the early 20th century. Women are confined to the domestic sphere, their concerns deemed 'trifles,' and their insights dismissed, while men hold all positions of power and authority. The plays highlight the psychological toll of these limitations and the resulting lack of agency for women.
Justice, Law, and Morality
The plays, particularly 'Trifles,' explore the complex relationship between legal justice and moral justice. Glaspell questions whether the law, as interpreted and enforced by a male-dominated system, can truly understand or deliver justice for women whose actions stem from deep-seated oppression and abuse. It highlights a conflict between objective legal evidence and subjective moral understanding.
Empathy and Sisterhood
A powerful theme, especially in 'Trifles,' is the development of empathy and solidarity among women. Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, initially strangers or acquaintances, form a bond of understanding as they reconstruct Minnie Wright's suffering. Their shared gendered experiences allow them to connect with Minnie's plight in a way the men cannot, leading to a silent pact of protection.

Worth discussing

How do the male and female characters in 'Trifles' perceive justice and evidence differently? What does this reveal about societal biases?

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