Injustice In Trifles

In “Trifles”, by Susan Glaspell, the character, Mrs. Wright, had come to a breaking point and killed her husband. Although it seems fair for her to be punished, the reason behind her actions are deep and somewhat justify her sin. Her husband, Mr. Wright brutally caused her to suffer emotionally and physically. At the time, for women, it was hard to get help, especially with a sexist justice system. The cruel treatment and isolation Mrs. Wright endured from Mr. Wright and how it all affected her is symbolised by the broken jars, wrung bird, and broken cage, as well as it shows the mistreatment of women throughout that time.

Some recurring items in the play were the shattered fruit jars. Mrs. Wright had worked so hard to make the fruit preserves in the hot summer months and now they were all gone to waste. The other women, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peter, understood this and stated their understanding. Back in the day, women usually took the role of homemaker and helping out on the fields or
Just like the bird, she was trapped inside and when they were set free it was done violently. It is obvious the bird was murdered violently when the state of the cage’s door and the bird are described. Mrs. Hale says, “Looks as if someone must have been rough with it” (1287). In addition, the bird’s condition is described when Mrs. Hale states, “It’s neck! Looks at its neck! It’s all- other side to” (1288) and Mrs. Peter responds “Somebody- wrung- its- neck” (1288). The way in which they have this conversation exemplifies the jarring conditions of it all and the severity of it. The way Mrs. Wright was treated caused her to commit a terrible crime. Although she had reasons backing her up, she would still not be considered innocent. At the time, the justice system was not only racist, but sexist as well. Women who had all the reason and proof to be proven innocent, were still considered guilty under what men declared the law to