Examples Of Proof In Trifles

Burden of Proof

In the play, Trifles, by Susan Glaspell, we see several things happening. There is a homicide at Mr. John Wright’s farmhouse. It appears, that he was strangled, in his sleep. His wife is the prime suspect. She had the means and opportunity but what was lacking , for the George Henderson, the county attorney, was motive. There was mounds, of circumstantial, evidence pointing at Mrs.Wright but George wanted something more physical. He had the Farmer Hale, recount what he saw the previous day. The first thing, I noticed, was the way that Hale described Mrs. Wright’s demeanor. We have all heard the saying, “actions speak louder than words.” Mrs. Wright was acting “queer” (as cited by Kiszner & Mandell, 2012, pg. 556).

Almost like someone who had done something, that put them into shock. She was sitting there, rocking in her rocker while folding her apron. The next thing, I noticed was that, as emotionless as Mrs. Wright was, she managed to laugh, when Hale asked to speak to Mr. Wright. Then, as Hale inquired about why he couldn’t see John, if John was home, Mrs.Wright announces that he is dead. So, let’s recap what we have so far. We have a wife, who knows her husband is dead, and that he was strangled, but instead of being an emotional wreck, she is rocking, in her rocker, folding her apron. That doesn’t prove guilt, but it does look unnatural. Then we find out, as he continues speaking, that John was strangled in bed, while Mrs. Wright was asleep, next to him. Again, this sounds strange, but Mrs. Wright claims, she doesn’t know who killed him because she, “sleeps sound” (as cited by Kiszner & Mandell, 2012, pg. 557). I found this play a little comical, because while the county attorney, Mr. Hale, and Sheriff Peters was look for physical evidence and motive the ladies in the house pieced together, what happened. They found the motive and the evidence that was need to convict her, but chose to keep it hidden and