Stereotypes In Trifles

Stereotypes have existed for centuries. In her one act play Trifles, Susan Glaspell portrays gender stereotypes that were prevalent in the early 1900’s. Through the dialogue, set description, and stage direction, Glaspell shows the audience how the concerns of men and women are perceived differently and what life must have looked like at that time. She is showing the audience that women’s concerns are mere “trifles” to men. This play was written over a century ago, and although gender roles have changed since then, many of these same stereotypes can still be felt today. Gender stereotypes are portrayed throughout the play. The male roles are the county attorney, sheriff, and the neighbor who is a farmer. The men have careers outside the home. They are in positions of power and authority. Glaspell portrays these men as taking charge of the crime scene. They task the women with collecting a few item to bring to Minnie Wright, the murder suspect. However, while the men are the “professionals” on the scene, they spend much of their time ridiculing the women for focusing on the unimportant details or trifles. “Well, women are used to worrying over trifles”. (5

They are domestic homemakers that are valued for their abilities in cleaning the home, cooking and sewing. In the play, the accused woman is mocked by the men for what they see as her inability to keep a tidy home, and erratic and inconsistent sewing skills. “Dirty towels! Not much of a housekeeper, would you say ladies?” (5) The county attorney says this as he is kicking the pots and pans under the sink. This shows a lack of respect towards the women. The county attorney attributes the gloomy atmosphere of the house to what he perceives as Mrs. Wrights lack of homemaking skills. He implies that women by nature are meant to be good housekeepers. (6) No-I shouldn’t say she had the homemaking