Trifles Literature Review Example

‘Trifles’ is an interesting play as it reveals the mind-set of the American male towards the woman. He is condescending and in many ways rather savage and blunt in his disdain for womanhood. This is reflected in the attitude of the County Attorney and Hale who seem to be more interested in the fire to warm them or what they are going to eat instead of the poor woman’s plight. Mrs Wright is distraught and concerned due to John’s death whilst hale and the attorney discusses the issues as if nothing has happened and without much care for her emotions and feelings. Indeed one is made to understand that in this small Southern town, the woman is worse than thrash. This piece of monologue by Hale further reaffirms his sneering countenance towards the woman who is already guilty in his mind.
“Why, I don’t think she minded—one way or other. She didn’t pay much attention. I said, “How do, Mrs. Wright, it’s cold, ain’t it?’’ And she said, “Is it?’’— and went on kind of pleating at her apron”.
The intrusive Mrs Peters makes her presence felt as she pokes around every nook and cranny passing comments and sneering down on Mrs Wright as the attorney and Hale continue jabbering about matter of factly about the terrible state of the place. The play is a powerful indictment of the insensitivity of man towards women in a semi civilised society.
The Hairy ApeThe Hairy Ape delves deep into the social and economic disparity which is prevalent in the lower rungs of the worker’s ladder. The firemen who work in the stove of the ship shovelling coal take on the semblance of apes due to their overgrowth of hair on their bodies and their gigantic muscles which have expanded after years of hard work and toil. Yank’s language which is a mixture of gibberish and social inequality mixed with rage identifies him:
“Aw hell! Nix on dat old sailing ship stuff! All dat bull’s dead, see? And you’re dead, too, yuh damned old Harp, on’y yuh don’t know it. Take it easy, see. Give us a rest. Nix on de loud noise. [With a cynical grin.] Can’t youse see I’m tryin’ to t’ink?”
My initial reaction to the play was one of shock and awe at its crudity and almost flamboyant ruddiness. Yank changes into a beast without any control over his emotions and when his death comes it is to be interpreted as a liberation.