Moorpark College Susan Glaspells Trifles Levels of Meaning Discussion

1. Susan Glaspell’s Trifles contains several important symbols, among them the title itself, the domestic setting, the frigid cold, the quilt, and, perhaps most important, the birdcage and dead songbird. How do these symbols propel the plot and convey deeper levels of meaning concerning the characters and themes? Interpret the symbolism and explain your interpretation of the play. (400 words)

1. How do you explain the play’s title? In what ways does the ironic title of the play shape its meaning?

2. How does the setting of the play contribute to our understanding of Minnie Wright’s position?

3. How does the entrance of the characters distinguish between the men and the women?

4. How can Hale’s description of Minnie Wright as she sits in her rocking chair be interpreted from a female point of view rather than the male one what Hale provides?

5. Is there any doubt that Minnie Wright killed her husband? What are the clues? Explain what happened based on the clues the play presents.

6. How should we interpret the behavior of Mr. Henderson, the county attorney? Why is Mrs. Hale so annoyed by him?

7. In what ways can Mrs. Peters be said to be a foil to Mrs. Hale?

8. What are the main differences between Minnie Foster and Minnie Wright?

9. Is Mr. Wright so very different from the other men we witness in this play?

10. Why do the men miss all the real evidence, and why do the women cover it up?

11. Why do we never see either of the Wrights directly?

12. In what ways is Minnie Foster related to the canary?

13. Explain the symbolism of the house, quilt, birdcage, and bird.

14. Is Mr. Wright really so wrong? We are told John Wright was not a bad man, that “he didn’t drink, and kept his word . . . and paid his debts.” Minnie Wright’s murder of her husband would be condoned by feminist critics . . . as a “defiance of patriarchy.” Was it a “crime” for Minnie to strangle her husband or some kind of justice?