The Women of "Trifles"

I utterly enjoyed reading "Trifles." I particularly enjoyed examining the difference between the men and women in the novels and how each group views the situation at hand (a murder) differently. Some people, as we discussed in class, believe that the the roles of the characters have been gender swapped, and others think that the characters conform to their stereotypes. However, I propose that instead of comparing the men and women, comparing only the two women in the story may bring forth other ideas concerning whether or not the characters in "Trifles" conform or break the stereotypes placed on them. For instance, I think it should be noted that there is a difference in characteristics between Mrs.Hale and Mrs. Peters, and it can be seen often when the women discuss what to do about their trifle findings: "'But Mrs. Hale, the Law is the law.'/'I s'pose it 'tis.'" From these two simple lines a reader can see that Mrs. Peters is infinitely more concerned with upholding what is expected of her while Mrs. Hale has bit of a rebellion about her. Often, the audience can see that Mrs. Hale has a bit more spunk and is more headstrong as opposed to timid and obedient Mrs. Peters. Also, this claim of a difference can be supported by the stage directions assigned to each of them. Mrs Hale's actions are often characterized by words and sentences such as: "resentfully," "mildly," "under her breath," and "her own feeling not interrupted." Therefore, most of Mrs. Hale's directions paint a picture of her being more decisive and direct than Mrs. Peters, whose actions are often characterized as follows: "nervously," "apologetically," "glancing around," "in a frightened voice." Therefore, by making and explaining these observations I am simply wondering if perhaps the women in the story are neither meant to conform nor entirely break their stereotypes, but instead are intended to represent the evolution of women, with their rights are reason, into the world of men. This suggestion means that Mrs. Peters represents how the women of the "old way" acted and were expected to perform, and Mrs. Hale represents a stepping stone of women moving into the world of reason.