Trifles is a murder mystery, so there's no doubt the theme of violence is going to come into play. Things aren't quite so clear cut when comes to this theme, though. Usually, we see the violent murderer as the bad guy (or gal), and the murdered as the victim.
But what happens when we begin to sympathize with the murderer? What happens when a play seriously asks us to question whether violence is might actually a justified solution to a problem? You'll wrestle with these questions and more in Trifles. Be careful while you're wrestling, though—this play has a violent streak.
Questions About Violence
- Does the play show violence as a negative or positive force? Explain your answer.
- In your opinion, what is the most horrific act of violence described in the play?
- What is the effect for the audience of having all the violence happen offstage?
Chew on This
The violent act of killing the bird symbolizes the emotional and political violence done to women in the world of the play.
The murder of Mr. Wright is an act of violent rebellion, but that doesn't mean that violence isn't always wrong.