Eng 102 online pp 2
- 1. Trifles One of the main points of Susan Glaspells Trifles is the importance of the small things. Here, as in textual analysis, the small details point to the Big Ideas. Symbolism is crucial. If you have to ask whether some object functions as a symbol, the answer is yes.
- 2. THEMES The tension between order and chaos, both external and internal Loss of identity Gender roles and gender divisions (how men and women interact and think about each other, and why) Marriage Isolation vs. Community
- 3. SYMBOLS Names how is John Wrights name an ironic symbol of how he is viewed by the community, as opposed to how he really is? The canary how can the bird be seen as Minnie Wrights last attempt to reclaim an earlier identity? What might it mean for her when the bird is killed? The log cabin quilt why is the pattern important? How does the tension between order and chaos in the sewing reflect Minnies home life? The broken fruit jars why and how is the word preserves important? What is Minnie trying to preserve? Why is their freezing and breaking significant?
- 4. SETTING This play is set in the winter, which is a symbol in and of itself. The winter is a barren time in which no new life can grow. How might that symbolize both Minnies marriage to John Wright, as well as Wright himself?
- 5. CHARACTER What do we learn about Minnie Wright, both past and present? How do the details reveal her character? What do we learn about John Wright? How do the details reveal his character? How would you describe Mrs. Hale? How would you describe Mrs. Peters?How are they different, and how are they similar? How do the men in the story come across, and why?