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The play trifles by Susan Glaspell, premiered in 1916, was considered far ahead of its time in terms of its theme and presentation, by many critics of that era. Despite of its many localized elements like way of speech, customs and setting, the play enjoys a universal acclaim. Though almost a century has passed since the play was first staged, the play still has an enduring appeal. The main reason behind the timelessness of this play is the simple, strong, universal and time-proof theme of the play which is – men do not appreciate women. Yes, women have come a long way since 1916, and many stereotypes associated with gender roles have gradually faded or at least not overtly expressed in the public domain. But even today it is easier being a man than a woman. There are certain profession options which are still farfetched for women and society does judge a person simply because she is a woman. Thus two women empathizing with another woman, even though she is possibly a murderer, who suffered years of oppression, is a theme which today’s generation could easily relate to. It is a universal theme, particularly when one considers how gender roles are still very unfair to women in many parts of the world.
Kitchen, for example, is still considered to be a woman’s responsibility. And when the county Attorney in the play judges Mrs. Wright by the state of her kitchen, many women would have had the same urge as Mrs. Hale to defend her.
“Dirty towels! Not much of a housekeeper, would you say, ladies?
There's a great deal of work to be done on a farm. Those towels get dirty awful quick. Men's hands aren't always as clean as they might be.
Ah, loyal to your sex, I see” (Glaspell, 1916)
The irony, that the very kitchen things the men trivialized provided the vital clue to the motive they were so desperately searching for, is a masterstroke of Glaspell which accentuates the gender theme of the play.
Another element which offers the play its universal appeal is its characterization, particularly of the faceless murderer who does not make appearance on the stage, and is portrayed as the victim rather than the perpetrator. Minnie, a girl who used to sing for the choir once and was lively and friendly was reduced to a caged life due to an unhappy marriage. The character of Minnie Wright, which stood as an epitome of gender oppression in Glaspell’s era, represents more than oppression suffered by a particular gender. Her character in general denotes all people marginalized by the society or family to which they belong, be it on the basis of gender, religion, ethnicity, color or sexual orientation. Minnie is an example of how subjugated people who had silently endured repression for a long time, could react with unexpected violence when subjected to one cruel act too many. Clearly slaying of the bird was the last straw for Minnie and like Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peers the audience irrespective of gender, era and nationality, would be able to empathize with her. The other supporting themes found in the play like, murder and investigation, men trivializing domestic concerns of women, female identity, law and justice and patriarchal dominance are also themes which are as contemporary and as universal as ever.
The play without any addendums or modifications can appeal to modern audience but if anything has to be changed, the modifications should be done by way of adding one more scene. If there is a scene which shows an exchange between Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale prior to them reaching the crime scene, it could help establish their respective roles, of a person married to law and sympathizing neighbor, more emphatically.
