Women are the only oppressed group in our society that live in intimate association with their oppressors which can lead caged, unfulfilled lives. Trifles is a play by Susan Glaspell written in 1916. John Wright, who owned a farm, had been murdered the night before by strangulation in his bed. His wife, Minnie Wright, was accused of the homicide because she was the only one present at the time of his death. This one act play focuses on the mystery and interaction between men and women at the time. The sheriff, county attorney, and a neighbor, Mr. Hale arrive at the home to look for evidence and treat the home like a crime scene causing them to miss out on vital clues for the case. Mrs. Peters, the sheriff's wife, and Mrs. Hale arrive at the home to collect items that Mrs. Wright requested. Unlike the men they view the property as an actual home with meaning and not just another crime scene. For this reason they are able to uncover the motive by paying attention to the trifles the mean overlook. Because women's feelings are often neglected the men we are in relation with often dominate our entire lives; making the two individuals that started out turn into one being.
Minnie Foster was a high spirited joyful young lady. Mrs. Wright used to sing in the choir and she wore pretty clothes. She seemed to be lively and enjoyed life. When she got married she became withdrawn and did not socialize like she had before. While Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters were gathering Mrs. Wright's things she requested, they discuss her personality and how she had changed once she got married. Mrs. Hale comments to Mrs. Peters that "she didn't belong to the ladies aid " and that the reason could be because "you don't enjoy things when you feel shabby ". Mrs. Peters seems out of touch with the darkness that lurked in the Wright household possibly because she had not separated the "law " from her own emotional side that would allow her to empathize with what Mrs.
