Susan Glaspell’s one-act play “Trifles,” written in 1916, is a masterful exploration of gender dynamics and the concept of justice. The play, set in the rural Midwest, revolves around the investigation of John Wright’s murder, with the primary suspects being his wife, Minnie Wright. The action unfolds in the Wrights’ kitchen, where two women—Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale—accompany their husbands, who are tasked with solving the case. As the men dismiss the women’s observations as trivial, the women uncover crucial evidence that provides insight into Minnie’s life and potential motive for the murder. The subtle yet powerful stage directions in “Trifles” play a significant role in conveying the play’s themes and character dynamics.
Understanding Stage Directions in “Trifles”
Stage directions in a play serve as instructions to the actors, director, and stage crew. They indicate movements, emotional responses, and other physical actions that are not spoken aloud by the characters. In “Trifles,” Glaspell uses stage directions to enhance the tension, reveal character relationships, and underscore the play’s feminist themes.
One particular excerpt from “Trifles” that contains a stage direction effectively encapsulates these elements. Let’s examine this excerpt closely to understand its significance:
Excerpt:
MRS. HALE: (resentfully) I don’t know as there’s anything so strange, our takin’ up our time with little things while we’re waiting for them to get the evidence. (She sits down at the big table, smoothing out a block with decision.) I don’t see as it’s anything to laugh about.
This passage includes a critical stage direction—”She sits down at the big table, smoothing out a block with decision.” This direction is essential for several reasons, which we will explore in detail.
The Significance of the Stage Direction
- Character Development and Emotion
The action of Mrs. Hale sitting down and smoothing out a block “with decision” reveals her emotional state and character traits. Mrs. Hale’s action is deliberate and resolute, indicating her growing frustration and determination. This moment highlights her increasing awareness of the injustice faced by Minnie Wright and her own role in perpetuating that injustice by neglecting her neighbor. The stage direction thus serves as a physical manifestation of Mrs. Hale’s inner conflict and evolving empathy.
- Symbolism and Themes
In “Trifles,” everyday objects and actions are imbued with symbolic meaning. The act of smoothing out a block at the table is not just a mundane task; it symbolizes the broader themes of the play. The block represents the seemingly trivial details of domestic life that the men overlook but which hold the key to understanding Minnie Wright’s situation. By focusing on this task, Mrs. Hale underscores the value and significance of these “trifles,” challenging the male characters’ dismissive attitude toward women’s experiences.
- Tension and Dynamics
The stage direction also enhances the dramatic tension and dynamics between the characters. Mrs. Hale’s resentful tone and decisive action create a stark contrast with the men’s condescending behavior. This moment amplifies the gender divide and the differing perspectives on what constitutes important evidence. The tension is palpable, as Mrs. Hale’s actions silently challenge the authority and competence of the men investigating the crime.
- Narrative Progression
From a narrative standpoint, the stage direction helps to move the plot forward. By having Mrs. Hale sit down and engage with the quilt block, Glaspell signals a shift in focus from the men’s investigation to the women’s discoveries. This shift is crucial, as it leads to the women uncovering the motive behind John Wright’s murder. The physical act of sitting and smoothing out the block serves as a prelude to the women’s eventual revelation of the emotional and psychological abuse Minnie Wright endured.
Other Notable Stage Directions in “Trifles”
While the excerpt discussed above is a prime example, “Trifles” contains several other stage directions that contribute significantly to the play’s impact. Here are a few notable examples:
- Opening Scene
The play opens with a detailed stage direction:
The kitchen in the now abandoned farmhouse of John Wright, a gloomy kitchen, and left without having been put in order—unwashed pans under the sink, a loaf of bread outside the bread-box, a dish-towel on the table—other signs of incompleted work.
This description sets the tone and context for the entire play, emphasizing the bleak and neglected state of the Wright household. It immediately conveys a sense of disorder and abandonment, reflecting Minnie Wright’s troubled state of mind and the oppressive environment in which she lived.
- Discovery of the Dead Bird
A pivotal moment in the play is marked by another crucial stage direction:
MRS. PETERS: (shuddering) But I tell you what I do think, Mrs. Peters. This isn’t her scissors. (Picks up the sewing basket and begins to take out things, and suddenly stops.) MRS. PETERS: (slowly) Look at this. Here’s a thing that somebody could have slipped in a box when she wasn’t looking. (Brings out a fancy box, from under the quilt pieces, and opens it, suddenly puts the box on the table and steps back.)
This direction intensifies the moment of discovery, heightening the suspense as the women find the dead bird. The physical actions—picking up the sewing basket, taking out things, and stopping suddenly—create a visual and emotional buildup, making the revelation of the dead bird more impactful. The bird, with its neck wrung, symbolizes Minnie Wright’s own strangled existence and becomes a key piece of evidence in understanding her motive.
Conclusion
Stage directions in Susan Glaspell’s “Trifles” are not mere instructions for actors; they are integral to the play’s storytelling. The directions reveal character emotions, symbolize broader themes, enhance tension, and propel the narrative. The excerpt where Mrs. Hale sits down and smooths out a block “with decision” is a powerful example, encapsulating the essence of the play’s feminist critique and its commentary on the value of women’s experiences. Through such nuanced and purposeful stage directions, Glaspell crafts a compelling and thought-provoking drama that continues to resonate with audiences today.
