Isolation In Trifles And The Darling

Exposure to isolation for a prolonged period of time has devastating consequences on the well-being of a human being. Susan Glaspell in Trifles and Anton Chekhov in The Darling portray the results of isolation through their protagonists, Mrs. Wright and Olenka. Glaspell and Chekhov prove the consequences of isolation by exploring the impacts it has on the mental health of the protagonists. Both Mrs. Wright and Olenka display changes to their psychological well-being since they experience rejection. Both female protagonists exemplify how humans can have a different life when what they love is no longer with them and they have to be alone. Mrs. Wright and Olenka prove this idea when they can no longer engage in society’s activities as a result
Mrs. Wright’s is isolated in her house with her bird as her only source of comfort. Being at home all the time makes her feel “like she [cannot] do her part and…., [not] enjoy things when [feeling] shabby” (Glaspell 5). Indeed, Mrs. Wright has no companion to encourage her to have a stronger attitude. She is only inside with her bird which keeps her occupied and satisfied in her bad condition. However, she still has no one to share opinions and have a voice with. Of course, gradually this brings depression upon her and automatically makes her feel differently about her abilities. Just like Mrs. Wright, Olenka too “hardly ever [goes] out, expect to church, or her husband’s grave and [leads] the life of a nun” (Chekhov 5). This displays how she is too upset because she does not have any of her loved ones in her life. For this purpose, she does not feel the need to do anything, or be in her community. In addition, her sadness is reinforced by her only visiting her husband’s grave. Revealing how Olenka is too damaged by the loss of who she loves and still wants to be near him even after his passing. Likewise, with no one in Mrs. Wrights and Olenkas lives to show them love and communicate with them, they are not motivated to do anything, but only be full of sadness. All in all, human beings being isolated from devotion for a period of time will make them believe nothing in life has a
Throughout both stores, the protagonists go through changes in their lives, judgements by society and the act of feeling worthless due to isolation. Together, Mrs. Wright and Olenka demonstrate changes in their lifestyle after marriage when what they love can no longer be in their possession. At the same time, both are judged by the members of their society without knowledge on the events in their lives. Isolation from neighbours and the community result in Mrs. Wright and Olenka growing the sense of insignificance to others. Isolation also creates psychological changes in the characters’ well-being. If they only have the opportunity to love one thing, they will never want it taken out of their hands and if it is they will be left with a scar. On the whole, over a long period of time, isolation creates negative effects on human beings and can create a whole different