The Feminine Voice in "Trifles" and "A Doll's House"
Trifles – by Susan Glaspell (1916)
A Doll's House – by Henrik Ibsen (1879)
Although each play represents two vastly different times, there are common threads that weave these plays into the same fabric. The central character of each play represents a feminist appeal, in a defiant, uncompromising, masculine world. The characters of each work are ordinary people, frustrated by their social situations and their own sensibilities. They are characters who long for happiness but become entangled in everyday circumstances, thus limiting their lives.
Each play represents the feminine voice, struggling for identity in a masculine world, dominated by society's patriarchal expectations.
Write a well-developed four or five-paragraph essay establishing a precise thesis in support of the above statement (as it applies to both plays).
The Feminine Voice in "Trifles" and "A Doll's House"
Introduction:
"Trifles" by Susan Glaspell (1916) and "A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen (1879) are two plays set in different time periods but share common themes. Both plays present central characters who embody a feminist appeal and challenge the dominance of a masculine world. These characters, ordinary individuals trapped in their social circumstances, struggle for identity and happiness while being constrained by society's patriarchal expectations. This essay will explore how both plays represent the feminine voice and depict the struggles faced by women in male-dominated societies.
Body:
In "Trifles," the character of Mrs. Wright represents the feminist appeal in a masculine world. As a woman living in a rural community in the early 20th century, she is expected to conform to traditional gender roles. However, Mrs. Wright's experiences and frustrations are brought to light through her actions and dialogue. For example, her decision to kill her husband can be seen as a defiant act against the oppression she faced in her marriage. This act represents her refusal to be subdued by the expectations placed upon her by society.
Similarly, in "A Doll's House," Nora Helmer embodies the feminist appeal. Nora, living in 19th-century society, is initially portrayed as a submissive wife and mother. However, as the play progresses, it becomes evident that she desires autonomy and self-discovery. Her decision to leave her family at the end of the play is a direct challenge to the societal norms that confine her. Nora's actions demonstrate her longing for personal fulfillment and her refusal to be limited by societal expectations.
Both plays feature characters who are frustrated by their social situations and their own sensibilities. In "Trifles," the female characters, including Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, sympathize with Mrs. Wright's plight and understand her motives. They are frustrated by the lack of compassion shown by the men in the play, who dismiss their concerns as insignificant "trifles." This frustration highlights the divide between genders and serves as a critique of male-dominated societies.
Likewise, in "A Doll's House," Nora's frustration stems from being treated as a doll or a plaything by her husband Torvald and society at large. She realizes that her entire existence has been shaped by others' expectations and desires, leaving her with no sense of self. Nora's internal conflicts mirror the frustrations felt by many women who find themselves trapped in societal roles that deny them agency and individuality.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, "Trifles" and "A Doll's House" both depict the struggles of women in male-dominated societies and represent the feminist appeal. The central characters in these plays challenge societal expectations and norms, seeking to break free from the constraints imposed upon them. Through their actions and dialogue, Mrs. Wright and Nora Helmer convey a yearning for identity, autonomy, and happiness. These plays serve as powerful reminders of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the importance of fighting against oppressive societal structures.