Female Bonding as a form of female resistance in Susan Glaspell’s Play Trifles

Abstract

This thesis makes an analysis of Susan Glaspell’s play Trifles. This research tries to illustrate the stereotypical gender differences that are comprehensively presented in Trifles, and discuss the evolution of the concept of the female detective triggered by the changes in stereotypical gender roles. It also raises highly problematic questions about the appreciation of female intelligence, the lack of respect and mistreatment of women, as well as those aspects of marriage concerning physical and emotional isolation and dependence. It engages the ideas from the works of Simon de Beauvoir, Kate Millet, Gilbert and Gubar. Susan Glaspell presents in Trifles forms of nurturing sisterhood, that is, a friendship based on sincere commitment. She expresses and exposes the injustice, agony, pain, and sufferings of the people who are unnoticed and ignored. It talks about the female solidarity to resist the patriarchal oppression. Mrs. Wright murders her husband to free herself form the domination since her marriage. To protect Mrs. Wright two female characters Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters form a tie and hide the evidences of Mrs. Wright’s murder. Female bonding challenges the norms and conventions of patriarchal society.