False Assumptions

False Assumptions

According to the Merriam -Webster Online Dictionary an assumption is a belief that something is true or a fact or statement that is taken for granted. Susan Glaspell wrote “Trifles” to demonstrate the male assumption that women are insignificant members in a male dominated society. Because the men underestimate them, the women are able to prove they are not insignificant. The improper assumptions by men toward women can have dire consequences, as demonstrated in Glaspell’s world. Combating these narcissistic assumptions displayed by men can result in a unity among women that can overcome any male caused disrespect and oppression.

The title of this drama “Trifles” demonstrates how men have the assumption that women and their respective actions are seemingly unimportant. Trifles can be used in two forms in the English language. In verb form, trifle means to treat someone or something as unimportant or non-essential. The word trifle in noun form means something of little value or importance. Both definitions of this word yield an idea in this story that women are seen as trivial and are not worthy of respect by men. This idea is conveyed throughout the entire story by the belittling assumptions and attitude the men use toward the women. For example Hale says, “ Well, women are used to worrying over trifles” (1003). Typically, a kitchen represents women’s work and the idea of domesticity. In Glaspell’s eyes, men tend to assume that nothing of importance occurs in the kitchen and this can be related to the idea that women are insignificant. As Glaspell writes,

COUNTY ATTORNEY. I guess we’ll go upstairs first – and then out to

the barn and around there. You’re convinced that there was nothing

important here – nothing that would point to any motive?

SHERIFF. Nothing here but kitchen things.

COUNTY ATTORNEY. Here’s a nice mess (1002).

This supports the idea that men see women and their respective actions as incompetent and trivial. Another way Glaspell demonstrates the assumption that men view women as insignificant is by conveying the men’s attitude towards a woman’s work. Glaspell says,

MRS. PETERS. Oh, her fruit; it did freeze. She worried about that when it turned

so cold. She said the fire’d go out and her jars would break.

SHERIFF. Well, you can beat the woman! Held for murder and worryin’ about

her preserves.

COUNTY ATTORNEY. I guess before we’re through she may have something

more serious than preserves to worry about (1003).

Firstly, the preserves represent a task that a woman does for the well being of the entire family and is a direct reflection of a woman’s important role in the household during this time period. Secondly, Glaspell proves these indeed are important things that women are associated with because, these trivial things/actions contain the answer for the motive of the murder.

Glaspell continues her point in regard to assumptions by portraying a serious crime. This particular crime has an outcome that is two fold insofar that it leads to the eventual death of Mr. Wright, but it also leads to the freedom of Mrs. Wright. Prior to the marriage to Mr. Wright, she was known as Minnie Forster, and this woman contrasted drastically compared to the woman that married Mr. Wright. In the play Mrs. Hale says, “… She didn’t even belong to the Ladies’ Aid. I suppose she felt she couldn’t do her part, and then you don’t enjoy things when you feel shabby. I heard she used to wear pretty clothes when she was Minnie Foster, one of the town girls singing in the choir. But that – oh was thirty years ago” (1004). Further Glaspell tells use that the Wright’s home seclusion of Mrs. Wright and Mr. Wright resembles a cold wind. The abuse portrayed