“Trifles”: Mrs. Peters Character Essay

Introduction

In the historical development of gender relations, the social role of women established in a traditional patriarchal society was that of silent obedience to man. No idea of female independence or initiative could ever be raised, as the overall scope of duties that could be controlled by the influence of women comprised household matters and daily family routine. However wise or insightful a woman might be, any attempt at independent thinking was laughed at and dismissed as ultimately unserious by the dominating male society. Such a situation is described in Susan Glaspell’s play Trifles, where the dynamic character of Mrs. Peters reveals and enriches itself throughout the play: initially embodying the quality of obedience, with time she demonstrates the power of observance and attention to small things and consequently achieves a triumph over the male party.

The development of the character

The characterization of Mrs. Peters’ complex character occurs in Trifles via a whole range of means. The introduction of the play presents the woman’s appearance, which creates the initial impression of timidity and shyness. She appears on the scene together with Mrs. Hale, nestling to her as if seeking protection and support in the company of the other woman. Further development occurs through the character’s speech: by confessing it would have been way too lonesome for her to stay at the crime scene and by recollecting her experience of stillness and solitude when her first baby died (Glaspell 659, 661), Mrs. Peters reveals the abyss of emptiness that fills her soul having no company to share her feelings and ideas with. Another aspect of the tragedy of this suppressed quiet lady is that she should express obedience by duty: she is the wife of a sheriff, thus literally “married to the law” (Glaspell 662). Therefore her obedience has a double nature; she is obedient under the social standards of being a sheriff’s wife and under life circumstances that deprived her of worthwhile company.

A deeper understanding

A deeper understanding of Mrs. Peters’ character is made possible by observing her reaction to objects and events in her environment. However quiet Mrs. Peters may seem, at first sight, there is an inexhaustible source of liveliness in her, the quality of observance. Throughout the whole scene, she demonstrates an ongoing interest in the details of the surroundings, revealing trifles that lead her to logical conclusions which may seem insignificant only to a superficial observer. The woman’s revelation of the quilted plaid, the cage, and the bird gradually add up to a smooth story which can be viewed as an explanation for the whole mystery of Mr. Wright’s death (Glaspell 658–660). Attention to detail is the quality that distinguishes Mrs. Peters from the arrogant men who position themselves way too high to condescend to trifles that are irrelevant in their opinion.

Round, well-developed, and complete character

In this sense, Mrs. Peters appears around, well-developed and complete character: superior to the world of men, she holds the keys to the solution of the crime. Having obtained that priority, she gains the freedom of action, deciding for herself whether to reveal the truth of the murder to the police or not. In choosing the latter option, Mrs. Peters demonstrates solidarity with Mrs. Wright, who figures as her ‘double’ oppressed by a dominating male. A bird once gay, “really sweet and pretty”, Mrs. Wright took revenge on her favorite bird’s death (Glaspell 660); and feeling fully compassionate with the murderer, Mrs. Peters shows her understanding of law and order, without being accountable to any official representatives of law who walk too high to see the essential truth.

Conclusion

The round and dynamic character of Mrs. Peters unfolds throughout the whole playthrough appearance, speech, and reaction, moving from a shy intimidated wife through a shrewd observer to a triumphant champion of the truth who with her effort of mind directed at seemingly irrelevant trifles wins the right of ruling the destiny of her neighbor.