Susan Glaspell Symbolism

Trifles undermines the social and gender conventions of women during the early 1900’s. Susan Glaspell, the author created images and symbols of how women were treated throughout the early 20th century in the play. Glaspell showed the oppression women faced and helped to influence the right’s of women. This play is focused on creating images of how women may have felt but could never really do anything about it. Throughout the story, Glaspell uses symbolism h as a way of expressing how women felt to people who may not have understood this. For example, the canary, which was owned by Mrs. Wright carries a very heavy message and meaning. Glaspell writes in a tone that creates a sense of the women caring about each other no matter what the situation

In many of her plays and writings, she expresses feminist views and because of this, eventually won the American Pulitzer Prize. Glaspell never wanted to feel “controlled” and lived her life to the fullest. She graduated from Drake University in 1899 and became a journalist for newspapers and magazines. In 1916, Glaspell founded the Providence players with her husband. They developed a playhouse where Glaspell could express her opinions through her plays as well as many other women whose plays were seen at the theatre. Her plays, stories, and novels helped individuals today recognize personal identity, individuality vs. social conformity, and the complications of marriage

I wonder how it would seem never to have had any children around. No, Wright wouldn’t like the bird a thing that sang. She used to sing. He killed that too. (669)
This is a deep line by Glaspell here. It symbolizes how Mrs. Wright related to the bird and how he put that down as he did with her.They show sorrow for her and try to understand her reasoning behind her actions. The canary may have meant more to her than he could comprehend, and she may have been very angry about this. Also, not only does the bird have meaning, but the birdcage does as well. Glaspell uses the birdcage to represent how she was caged in too. Mr. Wright shunned her from the outside world as well as from having children. She was caged in like the bird, who once was flying full of freedom (elizabethridge.hubpages.com). When the men are re-entering the room, the women are scurrying to hide the bird because they believe it will only hurt her impression. This is another attempt to show the barriers between genders on all social spectrums during this time period. When the women are questioned as to whether they found the bird or not, the conversation goes:
Mrs Hale. We think the cat got it.
County Attorney. Is there a