Plays by Susan Glaspell

“Plays by Susan Glaspell” is a collection of early 20th-century dramas, including notable works like Trifles, The Outside, and The Verge. Glaspell’s plays delve into themes of gender roles, societal constraints, and human psychology, offering a compelling look at the struggles faced by women in a male-dominated world. Through richly developed characters, she examines issues of truth, justice, and the power of overlooked perspectives.

In Trifles, the story unfolds in a cluttered farmhouse kitchen, where a group of men, including a sheriff and county attorney, investigate the murder of John Wright. While they dismiss household details as insignificant, the wives of two investigators, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, quietly piece together a deeper story. Their observations reveal an unspoken truth about Mrs. Wright’s isolation and suffering, offering a poignant critique of the way women’s voices and experiences are often ignored. This sharp social commentary, woven into everyday domestic life, exemplifies Glaspell’s ability to challenge perceptions of justice and gender.