To this day women are considered minorities; not because they are actually less in number but because they were treated unequally for such a long period of time. In the play Trifles by Susan Glaspell, this exact issue is brought to light by showing an example of just how poorly women were treated in the early 1900’s. It is displayed in Glaspell's play how gender roles can create quite the controversy. The gender-driven conflict in Trifles is created through characterization, symbolism, and author's diction. Right from the start, the different roles men and women are engulfed in are shown by the characterization through actions, dialogue, and attitudes. As soon as they all step on the crime scene, the gender roles kick in. Henderson, Peters, and Hale automatically take control of the investigation; meanwhile, the ladies “come in slowly, and stand close together near the door” (Glaspell 601). Here it is shown how men are typically known to take charge, but women are not considered to have an important role. The men are characterized indirectly through their words and actions. For example, while looking for clues in the kitchen Sheriff…show more content… The word trifle by definition is a thing of little value or importance. When reading the title, one might at first think the story or main idea to be insignificant; however, it actually contains a very eye-opening message. What one person may perceive as a trifle could in reality be the key to unlocking a mystery, much like in the story. The author uses the word trifles again in the play to create a condescending tone toward the women. While the women discuss Mrs. Wright’s concern for her preserves, Mr Hale states, “Well, women are used to worrying over trifles” (Glaspell 604). While the men believed the things the women were focused on were irrelevant, Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale actually unveiled the
