Plays by American women

¶ … Susan Glaspell's play, Trifles, and Jean Toomer's book triad, Cane, are both written early in the 1900s, a mere seven years of each other (1916 and 1923, respectively), they are very different in style and tone. They demonstrate how richly diverse the English language can be when used so effectively by artistic authors. The first, Trifles, is written in traditional form with simple dialogue between characters. The second, Cane, introduces a "modern" literary approach, which breaks away from the style of the previous century.

Trifles may only be about 15 pages long, but in that short space, Glaspell shows how quickly a setting and mood can be set. Even when reading this play rather than seeing it acted on stage, one is immediately transported into the desolate household of Mrs. Wright. As Barlow says about the play, "It has become a classic example of near-perfect short play construction."

As with some of her other works, such as Bernice and Alison's House, Glaspell uses the technique of individuals learning about someone who is not present through the conversations of others. In this case, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters discuss Mrs. Wright's situation while the Sheriff and County Attorney go upstairs to view the body of Mr. Wright who has been strangled in his bed.

Mrs. Wright may not actually be in the room, yet it is easy to envision her there. As Mr. Hale describes how he found Mrs. Wright quietly sitting in the chair and pulling at her apron, it is quite easy to imagine her appearance. It is as if her spirit has not left the room, but is still with the dead canary in the box. Even the women feel like they still see her rocking in the chair.

Through their conversation, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters strengthen their female bond with each other as well as with Mrs. Wright. She does not have to be there to plead her case to these two wives: They can understand the story all too well by knowing Mr. Wright's personality and seeing the dead bird. The men find it very humorous that the women can think of nothing else except for the way that Mrs. Wright finished off her quilting. However, the plot is anything but frivolous. The story may be called Trifles, but this situation is not trifling to the three women. By using a very simple, straight-forward approach, Glaspell lets the readers truly feel the unease, frustration and sadness these women feel for Mrs. Wright as well as their own lives.

Putting aside the fact that Toomer's Cane is a much different piece -- it is not a play and is much lengthier than Trifles -- the language, form and mood vary significantly. For example, "Fern," one of the stories in the Cane collection, first appears to be a portrait of an exquisite woman who nobody understands. However, the reader soon realizes that she is much more complex. There exists layer upon layer over her, as she is revealed to be a representative of an entire group of American people. She also represents the many ways that women are treated. Her depth is indicative of the other characters in this book as well.

In Trifles, the readers immediately walk into the Wright's home with the other characters. There is no one keeping the readers from becoming instantly involved with the action. However, in Cane, the narrator stands in and often puts the readers at a distance. This shows the women's alienation from the rest of the society. The narrator also depicts the separation that exists in the country between people of different backgrounds.