In the early 20th century, men were the leaders of the family, and they worked in communities, police, and courts. However, women just stayed at home and took care of the children. In studies of cultural structures, there has been a role of "The Other " that is always found within a social structure. The "other " can simply be described as the outsider. The "other " in a society is generally the opposite of what a society describes as ideal or perfect. Our society has come to create ideals that are based off of no real fact or substance. If it hasn't been obvious, the "other " in the play are the women. The women are seen as insubstantial and only have to worry about their "trifles ". The male characters use their knowledge and experience to look for the criminal evidence the murder left, while the female characters us a different angle, a wife's everyday pattern, to approach the truth. The playwright describes each role's characteristics to show how women and men's tendencies of life are different, proving how male dominance is major theme throughout the play.
The first male character to voice his opinion about a woman's true purpose was George Henderson, County Attorney, who believes women's job is housework. When Mrs. Hale says to the attorney that towels get dirty quickly because of men's hands, Mr. Henderson does not want to argue about that and says: "Ah, loyal to your sex, I see " (1386). Using "your sex ", Mr. Henderson defines not only Mrs. Hale, but also women in general as being born for housework. From these words, Mr. Henderson demonstrates that he thinks women should do their work well. He also believes that women's tendency of life is housework, verbally limiting the value of women. This leads us the intellectual oppression brought upon the women of the play by Henry Peters.
Henry Peters, the sheriff, does not respect women and believes men cannot get any help from. When the sheriff, the attorney, and Mr.