Analysis of Trifles The author of this poem seems to have loosely based this play off of real events.

The author was a reporter in Iowa, according to a short biography, and she supposedly covered a murder at that time. So, its plausible that this poem is based on that case in some aspects. An aspect of this poem which interests me isnt necessarily the plot, but a subtle hint at the way women were downgraded in society. At the time, women were obviously not as respected in society as men (in many ways). In this play, when the Sheriff and Attorney inspect the room where the murder happened, they eventually conclude that there is: Nothing here but kitchen things. This comment seems disparaging towards women and their place in society. A further comment is made with respect to the wifes housekeeping abilities another disparaging comment. Another statement is made: Not having children makes less work but it makes a quiet house. This comment is obviously a psychological hint about the wifes mental state; but it can also be taken as indicative of something else. In the society in which this story takes place, women are expected to be housekeepers and to raise children. However, since the wife does not have children, it seems that she is looked down upon as less of a woman than women with children. The social role of women is to be child bearers, in this story. Another aspect of this story is the theme of male superiority. The men in this story try to come off as hardnosed detectives, when in reality the women are the most observant of the bunch. The men overlook clues whereas the women are quite astute in their observations. However, this dominant, superior attitude causes the women to become a bit alienated. So, the women end up coming together (bonding, in a way) and hiding evidence they discovered that the men overlooked out of a quasicompassion for the wife of the dead man (Mrs. Wright). The women steal the box containing the dead bird to protect Mrs. Wright and if looked at generally, as a loyal defense of their gender.