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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 during the early 20th century, featuring notable titles such as "Trifles," "The Outside," and "The Verge." The plays often explore themes of gender roles, societal expectations, and human psychology, showcasing the nuanced struggles of women in a male-dominated world. Through rich character development, Glaspell highlights the emotional landscapes of her protagonists, inviting contemplation about the nature of truth and justice. At the start of "Trifles," the scene is set in a disordered farmhouse kitchen, where a group of men, including the county attorney and sheriff, arrive to investigate the murder of John Wright, a domineering husband. Meanwhile, the wives of the men, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, enter slowly and begin to observe the seemingly trivial details of the kitchen. While the men dismiss these as unimportant, the women uncover clues about the deceased and the potential motive for murder, particularly through their empathy for Mrs. Wright's situation. This initial exploration of domestic space lays the groundwork for a powerful commentary on the often-overlooked significance of women's experiences and insights.

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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