Menfolk don't come off looking so great in this feminist classic—and that's putting it mildly. The nicer dudes in Trifles are blatantly sexist against women, while the meaner guys are blatantly sexist… and also kill small animals.
Of course, even though the play might be a little harsh on the hairier sex, the male-centric society of its time was incredibly harsh on women. Most critics will tell you that Trifles is an honest expression of the frustration and simmering rage that was building among American women not long after the 20th century dawned.
Questions About Men and Masculinity
- Does the play present an accurate portrait of male behavior? Or is it biased?
- In the view of the play, what makes a good man?
- How do you think the female characters would define masculinity? Mrs. Wright? Mrs. Hale? Mrs. Peters?
- What similarities and differences do you see in the way the men behave in the play and the way men behave in modern day America?
Chew on This
The male characters in Trifles accurately represent the opinions and behaviors of the male-dominated society that existed when the play was written.
The play's feminist argument would be strengthened if its portrayal of men were more balanced.