Question

The fact that women often feel pressured to conform to society’s expectations is a common feminist theme found within literature. As this theme appears within part two of Trifles (Links to an external site.), which pair of symbols most strengthens this theme?

Answer 1

Answer: Quilt and a jar of fruit are the two symbols that most strengthen this theme.

Explanation:

Trifles by Susan Glaspell is often considered as a feminist drama. The story is centered around John Wright's murder. His wife, Minnie, is accused of the crime. The two women, Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale, show understanding for her situation and decide to evidence against her.

The jars of fruit are a metaphor for Minnie's overwhelming concern over her household responsibilities that the society has imposed on her. People believe that a woman should be primarily concerned with her role as a housewife. In the play, the men mock the women both for carrying too much and too little about housekeeping.

Moreover, while she is in jail, Mrs Peters and Mrs.Hale bring Minnie the quilt. The quilt is one of the trifles in the story - things that men believe women are only concerned about. Moreover, this is also a symbol of Minnie's guilt. As Minnie decides to knot the quilt, the two women become certain that she killed her husband with a rope around his neck. Men, however, fail to make such a conclusion, as they only believe women are interested in the trifles above anything else.