THE HIDDEN MEANINGS SEEN FROM THE SYMBOLS, CHARACTERS…

THE HIDDEN MEANINGS SEEN FROM THE SYMBOLS,

CHARACTERS, AND SETTINGS IN SUSAN GLASPELL’S

TRIFLES

AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS

Presented as Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements

for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra

in English Letters

By

DIANA PUSPITARINI

Student Number: 154214069

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS

FACULTY OF LETTERS

UNIVERSITAS SANATA DHARMA

YOGYAKARTA

2019

PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI

ii

THE HIDDEN MEANINGS SEEN FROM THE SYMBOLS,

CHARACTERS, AND SETTINGS IN SUSAN GLASPELL’S

TRIFLES

AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS

Presented as Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements

for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra

in English Letters

By

DIANA PUSPITARINI

Student Number: 154214069

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS

FACULTY OF LETTERS

UNIVERSITAS SANATA DHARMA

YOGYAKARTA

2019






vii

We have our own path

to success, just keep

believing in yourself.


viii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First of all, I would like to give my gratitude to Allah SWT for the blessing,

so that I can finish this undergraduate thesis.

I would like to thank my parents, Kurnia Anggraeni and Edy Sulistyono

and my sisters, Indah Kartika Ningrum and Dyah Purnamasari for their never-

ending support that they give me every day. Their love, support, and patience help

me to go through all the problems that I have in my life.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my thesis advisor, Drs.

Hirmawan Wijanarka, M.Hum., for his time, suggestion, patience and

guidance, in finishing my thesis. I would like to thank my co-advisor, Harris

Hermansyah Setiajid, M.Hum., for reading and giving lot of corrections and

suggestions. I also would like to thank all lecturers and staff of English Letters

Department for the best service that they give me every day.

I would like to thank my best friend Dwiqie Riaviano for his support and

patience for the past 17 years. I also would like to thank my best friends from high

school, Raj. Maharani, Noor Kirana Muharaini, Ervita Puspa, Priyo

Faturachman, and Gofiar Tidar who are always reliable every time I need them.

My gratitude also goes to Gita Ariesta, Sonia Larasayu, Laras Mustika Rani,

Angela Merici, Jati Moranca, Aldila Dwi Septani Putri, Tirza Gracia

Sukendro, Vatma Anggraini, Vincentius Seto, Katherine Dinda Arum Ning

Tyas, and my friends from HMPSSING SADHAR 2017/2018, for their support

and the unforgettable moments.

Diana Puspitarini


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE ........................................................................................................ ii

APPROVAL PAGE ............................................................................................. iii

ACCEPTANCE PAGE ........................................................................................ iv

STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY .................................................................... v

LEMBAR PERNYATAAN PERSETUJUAN PUBLIKASI KARYA ILMIAH .. vi

MOTTO PAGE .................................................... ............................................................................... viii

TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................... ix

LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................. xi

ABSTRACT ......................................................................................................... xii

ABSTRAK ............................................................................................................ xiii

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION ........................................................................ 1

A. Background of the Study .............................................................................. 1

B. Problem Formulation ................................................................................... 3

C. Objectives of the Study ................................................................................ 3

D. Definition of Terms ...................................................................................... 3

CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF LITERATURE .................................................... 5

A. Review of Related Studies ........................................................................... 5

B. Review of Related Theories ......................................................................... 8

1. Theory of Symbol ..................................................................................... 8

a. How to Find Symbol ............................................................................. 9

b. Functions of Symbol ........................................................................... 11

2. Theory of Character and Characterization ............................................. 11

3. Theory of Setting .................................................................................... 13

C. Theoretical Framework .............................................................................. 15

CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY .................................................................. 16

A. Object of the Study..................................................................................... 16

B. Approach of the Study ............................................................................... 17

C. Method of the Study ................................................................................... 17

CHAPTER IV: ANALYSIS ............................................................................... 19

A. Symbols, Characters, and Setting in Trifles ............................................... 19

1. Symbols .................................................................................................. 19

a. Rocking Chair ..................................................................................... 20

b. Cherries in the Jar ............................................................................... 21

c. Pretty Box ........................................................................................... 22

d. Piece of Silk ........................................................................................ 23

e. Quilt .................................................................................................... 24

f. Birdcage .............................................................................................. 25

g. Bird ..................................................................................................... 27

2. Characters ............................................................................................... 28

..............................................vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS


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a. County Attorney ................................................................................. 29

b. Sheriff ................................................................................................. 29

c. Mrs. Peters .......................................................................................... 30

d. Mr. Hale .............................................................................................. 30

e. Mrs. Hale ............................................................................................ 31

3. Setting ..................................................................................................... 32

a. Time .................................................................................................... 32

b. Place .................................................................................................... 32

c. Atmosphere ......................................................................................... 33

B. Hidden Meanings Seen from Symbols, Characters, and Setting ............... 33

1. Symbols representing Mrs. Wright’s life ............................................... 33

a. Mrs. Wright’s Oppressed Life ............................................................ 34

b. Mrs. Wright’s Confusion .................................................................... 35

c. Mrs. Wright Loneliness ...................................................................... 37

d. Mrs. Wright Being Maltreated by Mr. Wright .................................... 37

e. Mrs. Wright Loves Foundness Creatures ........................................... 38

2. Male Characters Outnumbering Female Characters .............................. 39

a. Male Domination ................................................................................ 39

b. Female Subordination ......................................................................... 40

3. Setting depicting Male-Female Relationship ......................................... 41

a. Representation of Male Domination ................................................... 41

b. Representation of Domestic Obscurity ............................................... 41

CHAPTER V: CONCLUSION .......................................................................... 43

REFERENCES .................................................................................................... 45


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LIST OF FIGURES

No. Figure Page

1 Fig. 1 Rocking chair (www.ebth.com) 20

2 Fig. 2 Cherries in the Jar (www.bigstockphoto.com) 21

3 Fig. 3 Pretty Box (www.antiquejewellerycompany.com) 23

4 Fig. 4 Piece of Silk (www.fashionfabricsclub.com) 24

5 Fig. 5 Quilt (www.anniescatalog.com) 24

6 Fig. 6 Birdcage (www.zstatue.com) 26

7 Fig. 7 Bird (www.pinterest.com) 27


xii

ABSTRACT

Puspitarini, Diana. (2019). The Hidden Meanings Seen from the Symbols,

Characters, and Settings in Susan Glaspell’s Trifles. Yogyakarta: Department

of English Letters, Faculty of Letters, Universitas Sanata Dharma.

This research aims to find the hidden meanings in a play entitled Trifles.

Trifles is a famous play written by Susan Glaspell. It is inspired by a real murder

case that Susan Glaspell find when she works as a young journalist. The play is

about people who want to investigate a murder case. The characters are the Sheriff

named Henry Peters, Mrs. Peter, the County Attorney named George Henderson,

Mr. Lewis Hale and Mrs. Hale.

There are two problems that are discussed in this research. The first problem

aims to describe the symbols, characters and settings presented in the play. The

second problem is to find out the hidden meanings seen from symbols, characters

and settings of the play. The researcher applies New Criticism approach to help

find the hidden meanings of the play.

The method that is applied in this research is library research. This study uses

two sources, primary source and secondary sources. The primary source in this

research is a play written by Susan Glaspell entitled Trifles. The secondary source,

the researcher utilized four books and one journal. The researcher also uses related

studies that are two journals article and two undergraduate theses. This research

applied theory of symbol, character, characterization, and setting.

In this research, the researcher finds that symbols in the play are used as the

representation of Mrs. Wright’s feeling. Researcher also finds that the characters

in the play are utilized to show male and female subordinate that that happens at

that time. Past time is applied as the setting of time in the play to bring and show

to the readers about the situation that happens that time. The play employs kitchen

as a special place because kitchen is an underestimate place where women are

usually works. In conclusion, symbols, characters, and settings that are applied in

the play are trying to show male domination over women that happen at that time.

Using symbol, characters, and settings, the readers can understand what most of

women are feels. The readers also can see the men domination that happens in the

past.

Keywords: symbols, characters, settings, hidden meaning.


xiii

ABSTRAK

Puspitarini, Diana. (2019). The Hidden Meanings Seen from the Symbols,

Characters, and Settings in Susan Glaspell’s Trifles. Yogyakarta: Program

Studi Sastra Inggris, Fakultas Sastra, Universitas Sanata Dharma.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menemukan makna-makna tersembunyi dalam

sebuah drama berjudul Trifles. Trifles adalah sebuah drama terkenal yang ditulis

oleh Susan Glaspell. Drama tersebut terinspirasi dari sebuah kasus pembunuhan

nyata yang Susan Glaspell temukan saat dia bekerja sebagai jurnalis muda. Drama

tersebut menceritakan tentang orang-orang yang ingin menginvestigasi sebuah

kasus pembunuhan. Karakter-karakter dalam drama tersebut adalah kepala polisi

bernama Henry Peters, nyonya Peters, pengacara daerah bernama George

Henderson, tuan dan nyonya Hale.

Ada dua rumusan masalah yang didiskusikan dalam penelitian ini. Rumusan

yang pertama bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan simbol-simbol, karakter- karakter

dan seting-seting yang ada di dalam drama. Rumusan masalah yang kedua adalah

menemukan makna tersembunyi yang dilihat dari simbol-simbol, semua karakter

dan seting yang ada didalam drama. Peneliti menggunakan pendekatan kritik

sastra untuk membantu makna-makna tersembunyi didalam drama.

Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah studi pustaka. Penelitian

ini menggunakan dua sumber, sumber utama dan sumber kedua. Sumber utama

yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah sebuah drama yang ditulis oleh Susan

Glaspell berjudul Trifles. Sumber kedua penulis menggunakan empat buku dan

satu jurnal. Peneliti juga menggunakkan studi-studi terkait, yakni dua artikel

jurnal dan dua tesis sarjana. Penelitian ini juga menggunakan teori simbol,

karakter, karaterisasi, dan seting.

Dalam penelitian ini, peneliti menemukan bahwa symbol-simbol yang ada

didalam drama digunakan sebagai representasi dari perasaan nyonya Wright.

Peneliti juga menemukan bahwa karakter-karatker didalam drama digunakan

untuk menunjukan posisi wanita yang ada dibawah laki-laki yang terjadi pada saat

itu. Masa lampau digunakan sebagai setting waktu pada drama tersebut guna

menggiring dan menunjukan kepada para pembaca tentang situasi yang terjadi

pada saat itu. Drama tersebut menggunakan dapur sebagai tempat yang spesial

karena dapur adalah tempat yang dianggap remeh dimana wanita biasa bekerja.

Kesimpulannya, simbol-simbol, karakter-karakter dan seting-seting yang

digunakan pada drama tersebut mencoba menunjukan dominasi pria terhadap

perempuan yang terjadi pada saat itu. Menggunkan simbol-simbol, karakter-

karakter dan seting-seting, para pembaca dapat memahami apa yang dirasakan

sebagian besar wanita. Para pembaca juga dapat melihat dominasi laki-laki pada

masa lampau.

Kata kunci: simbol-simbol, karakter-karakter, seting, makna tersembunyi.


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CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study

Hidden meanings can be found in every aspect in life. Though it is not easy to

be found, it can be seen when people think critically. The first example can be

found in a speech. Based on a journal article written by Hans Speier, it is stated

that:

Similarly, such observes may easily overlook the fact that a person may

not only deliberately delete from his speech some information concerning

the subject he dwells on but also deliberately say something to indicate

that he is withholding something else (Speier, 1977, p. 472).

In a literary work, an author can give riddles to the readers using the intrinsic

elements. The readers have to read carefully and think critically to find and

understand the messages. In a literary work, the author utilizes intrinsic elements

to deliver hidden meanings to the readers that can build curiosity.

Symbol is one of intrinsic elements that can make a literary work more

interesting and attracting for the readers. M. J. Murphy also agrees that to deliver

their hidden meaning, an author is using of symbolism quite consciously

(Murphy, 1972, p. 176). Anything can be used as the symbol, even a thing that is

easy to find. Through a symbol, the author can give clues to the readers about the

meaning of the play.

Another intrinsic element is character. An author does not describe the

characters directly. Usually they explain it through the behaviour of the character

itself. The readers interpret the character of the play when they are reading the


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play. Characters in the play have different characteristics. Through the dialogs of

the characters, the author can deliver the hidden meaning that they try to tell to the

readers. According to Murphy’s theory, this phenomenon calls as conversation of

others one of ways that an author can apply to deliver the hidden meanings

through characters (Murphy, 1972, p. 167).

An intrinsic element that can also be applied to deliver the hidden meanings

of the story is setting. Readers sometimes do not realize that setting can also

utilize as clue. An author employs setting that has relation with the hidden

meanings that they try to tell to the readers. Time and place that has been chosen

by the author can help them build the atmosphere to support the idea or message

that the writer tries to deliver to the readers.

This research uses a play by Susan Glaspell entitled Trifles as the object of

the research. Based on a journal article that written by Laura Jones, Trifles is

inspired by a real murder case that Susan Glaspell find when she works as a

young journalist (Jones, 1995, p. 157). The setting of the place is set in kitchen

which is the same as the real murder case’s crime scene. Trifles is first performed

on August 8, 1916. Trifles is a play about people who wants to investigate a

murder case. The characters are the Sheriff, Mrs. Peter, the County Attorney, Mr.

Hale and Mrs. Hale.

This research employs symbols, characters, and settings in this play to find

hidden meanings that the play tries to tell to the readers. Using dialogue of the

characters, readers can also find the hidden meanings. The play uses simple things

as symbols, but can give a meaningful message to the readers. Trifles also uses


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setting of the play to give clues to the readers about the hidden meanings that the

play tries to deliver. Susan Glaspell tries to challenge her readers to find the

hidden meanings that she delivers through the intrinsic elements of the play.

B. Problem Formulation

These are questions for the further analysis:

1. How are the symbols, characters, and settings presented in Trifles?

2. What are the hidden meanings seen from symbols, characters and settings

in Trifles?

C. Objectives of the Study

There are two objectives that are discussed in this research. The first objective

aims to describe the symbols, characters, and settings that are presented in the

play. The second objective is to find out the hidden meanings seen from symbols,

characters and settings of the play.

D. Definition of Terms

To prevent wrong perceptions of things that are going to be discussed in this

thesis, the researcher explains the definition of some terms. The first is symbol.

M. H. Abrams and Geoffrey Galt Harpham explain that symbol could be anything

that help the author to signifies something. All words could be a symbol. Symbol

is applied only on a word or phrase to help signifies an object or event to

appreciate something or refers to something that has meaning beyond itself.


4

The second is character. According to Abrams and Harpham, character is

person who is presented in a dramatic or narrative work that interpreted by the

readers which could be seen from their dialogue and their action. The definition

shows that characters can help the writer to deliver the hidden meanings that not

stated directly (2012, p.46).

The third is setting. It is stated from a book written by Murphy that setting is

the place where the character lives. Setting can give effect to the personalities,

action, and ways of thinking of character (1972, p.141).


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CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

A. Review of Related Studies

According to New York Times, Susan Glaspell is the first female writer that

writes about female’s problem (Smith, 2005, para. 13). It makes Trifles become a

famous literary work. Therefore, people are interested in making research using

the play as the object of the research. It is proved from the amount of related

studies that can be found. Even though people are using this play as the object of

the research, they are discussing different things.

The first study that the researcher find uses Trifles as the object of the

research is a journal article that is written by Maisarah entitled “A Study of

Symbols in Susan Glaspell’s Trifles”. This journal article is using the concept of

symbols and characters (Maisarah, 2013, p. 8). She also explains that gender

conflicts appear in the play. Susan Glaspell tries to show the differences of men

and women’s point of view (Maisarah, 2013, p. 16). She explains the differences

between the men and the women through the characters. It is also explained that

Susan Glaspell is trying to challenge the readers to find and understand the

meaning of the symbols in the play. Maisarah explains that Susan Glaspell wants

to deliver that unimportant things can be very important if someone would see it

deeper (Maisarah, 2013, p. 8). The men in Trifles are described as an authoritarian

and the women are in the second position (Maisarah, 2013, p. 16).


6

The second is a journal article entitled “Representations of Rural Women in

Susan Glaspell’s Trifles” by Raja Al-Khalili. In his journal article, he is stated that

Susan Glaspell tries to show the represents of life and hardships of the simple

rural women residing in various regions in America and forgotten by society (Al-

Kahlili, 2013, p. 132). Trifles that she writes in 1916, is taking back the readers to

the nineteenth when cultural transformations in American Society happens. In this

journal article, he explains that this play is often assuming as a one-act drama that

focusing on the individual hardships of women (Al-Kahlili, 2013, p. 132).

Nevertheless, he also states that the play is describing the daily lives of rural

women in America and their individual struggle. Raja Al-Kahlili, in his journal

article said that Susan Glaspell utilized domestic violence as a motif of the murder

(Al-Kahlili, 2013, p. 133).

The third related study is an undergraduate thesis written by Radiaska

Karistantya Putra entitled “A Deconstruction on the Binary Opposition of the

Male and Female Characters in Susan Glaspell’s Trifles”. This undergraduate

thesis focuses on the female and male characterization that reflects the idea of

binary opposition. The research also focuses on the characterization of male and

female. Both sexes are described to be different in this play. He finds some

problems like how the male and female characters characterized in Trifles are,

how those characteristics of the male and female characters reflect the idea of

binary opposition do, and the last is how the deconstruction perspective examine

the binary opposition of those characteristics related to gender stereotype (Putra,

2016, p. 3).


7

The writer applies theory of character and characterization. He also uses

theory of deconstruction, theory of gender stereotype and theory of patriarchy.

Using the theory above, the writer tries to show how the male group is

underestimating the female group. The theory of deconstruction is leading the

writer to facts of the play. He finds a new finding that female’s characteristics are

assumed as the cause of the superiority in the play because of their own

characteristics (Putra, 2016, p. 67). He mentions that the gender stereotype of

male’s superiority is not shaped because of the characteristics of the male

characters that are dominant and powerful, but it appears because of the

characteristics of female characters that permit the superiority happens.

Another undergraduate thesis that utilized is entitled “Susan Glaspell’s View

toward Women’s Position in Her Trifles’ Female Character” by Ratna

Kumalasari. She tries to identify female characters and how the women’s position

in Susan Glaspell’s age. She formulated three problems (Kumalasari, 2006, p. 4).

The first problem is how the female characters are revealed in the play, the second

is how the female characters become the picture of women’s position in that era,

and the last problem is about Susan Glaspell’s view toward women’s position in

her era.

To solve the problem, the writer applies feminist approach. This approach

helps her to investigate how the society shapes women’s understanding of

themselves, their society, and their world. She finds that female characters in

Trifles are women that try to fight men’s oppression toward them. It is stated that

men describe the women’s position by taking their rights in education, economics,


8

law and politics, families, and so on (Kumalasari, 2006, p. 51). The women are

not brave enough to fight for their right. The writer also finds that there are

women who realize that they are equal with the men. They rise up to fight for

women’s right. The writer also finds that in the play, Mrs. Hale becomes the

picture of feminist who is aware of the oppression. In her thesis, she also mentions

about Susan Glaspell’s view toward women’s position in that era (Kumalasari,

2006, p. 46).

This thesis is different compared to related studies that are mentioned above.

In this thesis, the researcher is trying to find the hidden meanings in the play. The

researcher is using three elements to find the hidden meanings. The researcher

utilizes symbols, characters, and settings in the play to find the hidden meanings

that the play tries to deliver to the readers. Other than that, the researcher also uses

theory of new criticism to see the relation of intrinsic elements that can show the

hidden meanings in the play.

B. Review of Related Theories

In this part, the researcher reviews the theories that are utilized in this

undergraduate thesis. They are theory of symbol, theory of character, theory of

characterization, and theory of setting.

1. Theory of Symbol

Quoted from Hans P. Guth and Gabriel L. Rico, symbol is images that have a

meaning beyond themselves (1997, p. 189). Symbol helps the author to deliver

messages that does not explain directly. Guth and Rico explain that readers have


9

to become sensitive to find symbol in a story. That is why there are five points

that readers have to keep in mind about symbols to understand the message that

the writer tries to deliver (1997, pp. 189-190).

The first point is some symbols come into a story from an abraded language

of symbol. It is explained that human has traditional symbolic associations like for

example the dark forest that related with evil. The second point is stated that some

symbols have a special personal meaning for the writer. Sometimes writer is also

using symbol that is related to their own personal life that can be mentioned in

their story repeatedly. The third point is explained that literary symbols are rich in

associations. It is mentioned that symbol in literary work has a lot of meanings.

The symbol of skull and bones are not only symbolized as poison, but it can also

have different meaning for the other writer. The fourth point is mentioned that

symbols may be ambiguous. Symbol in a literary work can be ambiguous since

one symbol does not have certain meaning. The last is symbols acquire their full

meaning in the context of a story. In this point, the readers have to read all part of

the story to understand the meaning of the symbol that the writer applies in their

story.

a. How to Find Symbol

Readers are often finding difficulty to find symbol in a literary work. It is

because the writer is not pointing out which one is the symbol of the literary work

itself. However, there are clues that the readers can employ to find symbols.

According to Robert Stanton there are clues that the readers can use (1965, p. 32).

The first is repetition. Usually an author repeats or resembles certain things. The


10

author can also make it obvious by describing it more than other things and

sometimes make it unusual for no reason. The author can also mention it in the

title. He is also stated whatever the writer method uses, if a detail is repeated, it

may be a symbol.

Another theory is stated by Mary Rohrberger and Samuel H.Woods, Jr. They

are explaining when write a story, the author has to understand how to make a

symbol (1971, p. 17). In a literary work, the author can describe the symbol

through emphasis, repetition, implication and recurring patterns that can help the

readers to find the symbol of the literary work that they make.

Thomas R. Arp and Greg Johnson also mentions about how the readers can

find symbol when they are reading a literary work. It is stated, there are two main

sets of symbols in a literary work (2012, p. 244). The first is the symbol apparent

by repetition. Usually the author mentions the symbol repeatedly. The second is

slowly developed by realistic details that built by addition information from the

author. The author is not explaining the symbol directly. It makes the readers will

understand the meaning of the symbol that the author tries to deliver.

All of the theories that are mentioned have one similarity. It is stated that

symbol in literary work could give the readers clues about the symbol of the

literary work. Other than that, three of the theories also mention that symbol is not

explained by the author directly. They are not pointing out the symbol, but the

readers should be more sensitive when they read the literary work to find the

symbol. All the theories that explain above are uses by the author to help the

readers to find symbols in the play.


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b. Functions of Symbol

A symbol in a literary work gives some effects that can make a literary work

more interesting for the readers. Stanton states that there are three effects of

symbols in a literary work (1965, p. 32). The first is a symbol that appears during

an important moment of the story underlines the significant moment. Some of

literary works force readers to understand the meaning of the symbol to

understand the story itself. The readers must know the meaning of the symbol to

understand the literary work. The second is a symbol repeated several times

reminds the readers of some constants element in the story’s world. In a literary

work, the author may be mentioned the symbol repeatedly to make readers know

the important elements in the literary work. The third is a symbol that is repeated

can help the readers to define or clarify the theme of the literary work itself.

2. Theory of character and characterization

According to Abrams and Harpham, character is person who is presented in a

dramatic or narrative work that is interpreted by the readers which could be seen

from their dialogue and their action. Characters need to be analyzed so readers can

understand problems and the hidden meanings that the author tries to say.

Characters can help author to deliver the hidden meanings that is not stated

directly by using characterization that the author makes.

Murphy states that characterization is the way which an author attempts to

make his characters understandable and come alive for the readers (1972, p. 161).

Using characterization, the readers can easily understand the message that is not

directly mentioned by the author. It can be delivered from the other opinion of the


12

characters or the way they react to some events that happens in the play. There are

nine ways of characterization that mention in Murphy’s book (1972, pp. 161-173):

a. Personal description

It is stated that through personal description the author can describe a

person’s appearance and clothes.

b. Character as seen by another

In this part, the author can describe the character from the other character

eyes and opinions.

c. Speech

It is explained that the author can give information about one of the characters

in the book through what the other characters says. Whenever a character speaks,

whenever the character is in conversation with another character, whenever the

character puts forward an opinion, the author is giving the readers clues about the

other character. In real life, it is like when people get the description of someone

by the conversation with the other people.

d. Past life

It is mentioned that from learning something from a person’s past life, the

author can give the readers clues to events that can help build a person’s character.

It can be seen from direct comment by the author, through the person’s thoughts,

his conversation or the medium of another person.

e. Conversation of others

In this part, the author can give clues about person’s characterization through

the conversation of other characters. In real life, people are often talking about


13

other people. In a literary work, things that other characters say can give clues to

readers about the other characters.

f. Reactions

The sixth way is reactions. An author can give the readers clues to

characterization of a character by showing how the character reacts to various

situation and events.

g. Direct comment

In direct comment, the author is describing a character characterization

directly to the readers.

h. Thoughts

The eight ways is thoughts. It is when the author is giving the readers direct

information of what a character is thinking about.

i. Mannerism

The last is mannerism. In this part, the author can describe a person’s

mannerism and habits which may also tell the readers something about the

character.

3. Theory of setting

Setting is another intrinsic element that is needed in this thesis to find the

hidden meanings. Based on Murphy, it is stated that setting is the background

against which the characters live out their lives (1972, p.141). Murphy also

explains that there are three points of setting that the author is needed to help the

readers understand their literary works (1972, pp. 143-148):


14

a. Time

Setting of time is divided into four types of times. The first is present time

when the author chooses to tell about the things that are happening at that time.

The second is past time when the author chooses to go backwards about historical

events which is explaining the past to readers. The third is future time when

author apply their imagination to take readers to the future. The last is no specific

time. It is when the writer does not give clue of the setting of time.

b. Place

Setting of place is divided into three types. Familiar place is the first type that

is mentioned by Murphy. It is when an author chooses to set their story in a place

that familiar to most of their readers. If the writer is from Britain, he can use

London or any other familiar place in Britain. It makes the British reader will feel

familiar with the place that the writer chooses. The second is unfamiliar place

when the author use unfamiliar place as the set of place of their story. Usually the

writer chooses place that is not from their own country and it makes most of their

readers are not familiar with the place. The last is imaginary place. It is when the

author makes their own imagination place that is not familiar to anyone who read

their literary works.

c. Atmosphere

It is explained that atmosphere is the general feeling that is felt by the readers.

Therefore, the readers can say that the atmosphere can be terrifying, cheerful,

happy, and so on depend on what the readers feel. Understanding the setting of the

story can help the readers to understand the situation that the author tries to build.


15

C. Theoretical Framework

There are three theories that utilized in this thesis. The theories help the

researcher to answer the problem formulation and help the researcher to get

deeper understanding. The theories that are applied are theory of symbol, theory

of character, theory of characterization, and theory of setting.

The first is theory of symbol. The researcher utilized theory by Guth and

Rico. This theory helps the researcher to understand the definition of symbol. The

second is the theory of character and characterization. The researcher uses the

theory that is mentioned by Abrams and Harpham to know the definition of

character. The researcher employs theory of characterization that is mentioned by

Murphy to see the ways that author utilize to make their characters understandable

and become real for the readers. The third theory is theory of setting. The

researcher applies theory of setting that is stated by Murphy. The theories help the

researcher understand about the definition of setting.


16

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

A. Object of the Study

The object of this study is a play entitled Trifles written by Susan Glaspell.

Trifles is inspired from a real murder case back in December 2, 1900 when Susan

Glaspell works as a young journalist. She finds a case about a wife who is accused

kills her husband when he is in his sleep. Quoted from a journal article that

written by Linda Ben-Zvi, this murder happens in Indianola, Iowa when Susan

Glaspell worked for Des Moines Daily News (1992, p.157). The suspect named

Mrs. Margaret Hossack. She says that she is sleeping when the murderer kills her

husband.

In summer 1916, Susan Glaspell gets an inspiration from her case back in

1900 and writes Trifles. Quoted from New York Times 1918, it is stated that

Susan Glaspell is a good writer that is promising for the next level of one-act play

(Smith, 2005, para.10). It is also mentioned that Trifles is one of the greatest

works of American Literature.

Trifles is a one-act play that first performed is on August 8, 1916. The play is

about people who want to investigate a murder case. The characters are the Sheriff

named Henry Peters, Mrs. Peter, the County Attorney named George Henderson,

Mr. Lewis Hale and Mrs. Hale. They come to the crime scene to investigate the

case. The suspect is a woman named Mrs. Wright or also known as Minnie Foster.

The body of the victim is found with a rope around his neck. People assume his


17

wife is the murderer. They have to find the evidences to support their assumption.

At the end of the play, Mrs. Peter and Mrs. Hale who are considered cannot help

solve the case, turn out find evidences that lead to the reason why Mrs. Wright

kills her husband.

B. Approach of the Study

The approach that uses in this study is New Criticism. According to Lois

Tyson, New Criticism is an approach focuses on the literary work or the text itself

(2006, p. 39). Another theory is stated by Guerin explains that New Criticism is

an approach that is focused only on the text itself (2011, p. 70). Charles E.

Bressler explains in his book that new criticism helps people to search for the

meaning of the text by using the text itself (1999, p.37). He also mentions that

new criticism approach help the reader to find correct interpretation by using only

the text itself (1999, p.37).

In this study, the researcher tries to find hidden meanings that the play tries to

deliver to the readers through the intrinsic elements that are chosen by the

researcher, like symbol, character, and setting of the play. That is why the

researcher utilizes New Criticism as the approach of this study to find hidden

meanings using the symbol, character, and setting of the play itself.

C. Method of the Study

The method that applied in this research is library research. This study uses

two sources, primary source and secondary source. The primary source in this


18

study is a play written by Susan Glaspell entitled Trifles. For the secondary

source, the researcher utilized four books and one journal. The first book is

Understanding Unseen: An Introduction to English Poetry and the English Novel

by M. J. Murphy. The second book is written by Robert Stanton entitled An

Introduction to Fiction. The third book is a book by Mary Rohrberger and Samuel

H. Woods, Jr entitled Reading and Writing about Literature. The fourth book

entitled Perrine’s Literature: Structure, Sound, and Sense by Thomas R. Arp and

Greg Johnson. An article journal used entitled “Murder, She Wrote”: The Genesis

of Susan Glaspell’s “Trifles” by Linda Ben-Zvi.

The researcher did five steps. In the first step, the researcher was reading

primary source to find symbols, characters, and settings in the play. In the second

step, the writer formulated the problem from the play. The third step that the

researcher did was reading secondary sources; Understanding Unseen: An

Introduction to English Poetry and the English Novel by M. J. Murphy, An

Introduction to Fiction written by Robert Stanton, Reading and Writing about

Literature by Mary Rohrberger and Samuel H. Woods, Jr, Perrine’s Literature:

Structure, Sound, and Sense by Thomas R. Arp and Greg Johnson and an article

journal entitled “Murder, She Wrote”: The Genesis of Susan Glaspell’s “Trifles”

by Linda Ben-Zvi.

In the fourth step, the researcher tried to examine the symbols, characters, and

settings to find out hidden meanings of the play. The last step that the writer did

was drawing the conclusion.


19

CHAPTER IV

ANALYSIS

In this chapter the researcher answers the problems formulation that have

been mentioned in chapter one. There are some theories that researcher uses to

help analyze the play. In the first section, the researcher analyzes how symbols,

characters, and settings are presented in the play.

A. Symbols, Characters, and Setting in Trifles

In this part, the researcher discusses symbols, characters, and settings that can

be found in the play. The researcher explains the meaning of the symbols, the

characterization of the characters and settings that is applied in the play.

1. Symbols

There are symbols that can be found in the play. It is already explained in the

previous chapter that when readers are trying to find symbols, they have to pay

attention to clues that the author gives to the reader. In this play, the researcher

can find things that is mentioned by the author repeatedly. It shows that the author

uses repetition that is explained by Stanton. Using the theory that mentioned by

Rohberger and Woods, Jr the researcher finds things that are emphasized in the

play. It is one of clues that can be utilized to find symbol in the play. The

researcher also finds that things are employed as the symbols in the play slowly

develop by realistic details that built in the play with addition information from

the author. This clues that is explained by Arp and Johnson help the researcher to


20

find symbols of the play. In the following discussion, the researcher explains

symbols that are found in the play:

a. Rocking chair

It is mentioned in an article that is written by Trex Furniture (2016), rocking

chair is a chair that installed on rockers or springs that can make the chair moves

back and forth (www.trexfurniture.com).

Fig. 1 Rocking chair (www.ebth.com)

Rocking chair in this play is used as symbol of the sense of confusion that

Mrs. Wright feels. Rocking chair uses as the symbol of Mrs. Wright’s confusion

because of rocking chair’s movement can represent Mrs. Wright’s feeling. She is

sitting upon her rocker then she is rocking back and forth. She is acting as she

does not know what she should do next. It shows her instability of her emotion.

COUNTY ATTORNEY. What—was she doing?

HALE. She was rockin' back and forth. She had her apron in her hand and

was kind of—pleating it.

COUNTY ATTORNEY. And how did she—look?

HALE. Well, she looked queer.

COUNTY ATTORNEY. How do you mean—queer?

HALE. Well, as if she didn't know what she was going to do next. And

kind of done up.

(McQuade, 1999, p.1915)

When Mr. Hale comes and tries to find Mr. Wright, she is just sitting and

making no sound. When he cannot find where his friend is, Mr. Hale asks Mrs.


21

Wright. She answers with odd expression and start to laugh. From the description

about Mrs. Wright’s behaviour, the rocker is symbolizing the confusion that Mrs.

Wright feels.

b. Cherries in the Jar

According to an article that is written by Kathie Lapcevic (2015), cherries in

the jar or also known as sweet cherries, are consume in summer season (www.

homespunseasonalliving.com). It needs one month or even longer until it can be

eaten. People need lots of preparation to make sweet cherries in jar. It is explained

in the play that Mrs. Wright spent all summer to prepare the cherries in the jar.

Fig. 2 Cherries in the Jar (www.bigstockphoto.com)

In the play, Mrs. Wright always worries about her cherries in the jar. It

explains that the jar will break if it is freeze. That is why she is afraid that the jar

will break and the fruit will freeze. She worries because to make cherries in a jar,

she needs to spend all summer.

MRS HALE: (eyes fixed on a loaf of bread beside the bread-box, which is

on a low shelf at the other side of the room. Moves slowly toward it)

She was going to put this in there, (picks up loaf, then abruptly drops it.

In a manner of returning to familiar things) It's a shame about her fruit.

I wonder if it's all gone. (gets up on the chair and looks) I think there's

some here that's all right, Mrs Peters. Yes—here; (holding it toward the

window) this is cherries, too. (looking again) I declare I believe that's


22

the only one. (gets down, bottle in her hand. Goes to the sink and wipes

it off on the outside) She'll feel awful bad after all her hard work in the

hot weather. I remember the afternoon I put up my cherries last

summer.

(McQuade, 1999, p.1918)

The jar will break if it is in cold temperature. It is like Mrs. Wright heart that

breaks because the coldness of Mr. Wright’s behavior toward her. After all hard

working that she has been doing, everything freezes because of her husband

behavior that is explained in the play as a cold man.

Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters are trying to find the jar. When they find the jar, it

turns out the cherries inside the jar are freeze. Mr. Wright is cold man act like raw

wind that gets to the bone. As the time goes by, Mrs. Wright’s heart freezes as the

jar. All Mrs. Wright’s effort also freezes like cherries inside the jar. It is all

because of the cold behavior that Mr. Wright does to Mrs. Wright. The cherries

are symbolizing Mrs. Wright’s effort for her marriage. Mrs. Wright always try to

be a good wife but Mr. Wright still act cold.

c. Pretty Box

Quoted from an article written by Tara Parker Pope (2007), when people are

giving a gift to a person, it is to show that they care and have strong relationship.

Other than that, giving a gift can also symbolize an end of a relationship

(www.nytimes.com).

When Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters are trying to find scissor they find a red

pretty box.

MRS HALE. Here's some red. I expect this has got sewing things in it.

(brings out a fancy box) What a pretty box. Looks like something

somebody would give you. Maybe her scissors are in here. (Opens box.

Suddenly puts her hand to her nose) Why—(MRS PETERS bends


23

nearer, then turns her face away) There's something wrapped up in this

piece of silk.

MRS PETERS: Why, this isn't her scissors.

MRS HALE: (lifting the silk) Oh, Mrs Peters—it's—

(MRS PETERS bends closer.)

MRS PETERS: It's the bird.

(McQuade, 1999, p.1923)

Fig. 3 Pretty Box (www.antiquejewellerycompany.com)

The red box that Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters is so pretty and make them think that

Mrs. Wright is going to give it to someone which very special for her.

The red pretty box symbolizes Mrs. Wright final tribute for her bird. She uses

the red pretty box to show that she really loves the bird. The bird in the play is the

only friend that she has. It is also show that the bird is valuable for her since she is

not using a regular box.

d. Piece of Silk

Silk is known one of the most valuable fabrics in world. Quoted from an

article written by Amy Breau (2012), in China if someone steals silk the person

will get dead penalty (www.indianapublicmedia.org). In other article that written

by Cashmere and Silk Factories (2016), it is mentioned that silk become

expensive and valuable fabric because it takes lot of time and patience to make

silk (www.cashmeresilkhome.com).


24

Fig. 4 Piece of Silk (www.fashionfabricsclub.com)

Inside a pretty box that Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters find, they surprise that

there is a piece of silk inside the box. Mrs. Wright utilizes piece of silk to wrap

the dead bird. It shows that pretty box and piece of silk has a same value. Mrs.

Wright uses them to bury the bird to show how she really loves the bird. She

decides to employ the red pretty box and wrapped the bird with piece of silk is

symbolize her special final tribute for the bird.

e. Quilt

According to an article written by Becky Jorgensen, quilt is sewing two

layers of fabrics together and filling it with cotton (www.createandcraft.com).

Quilt also using decorative stitching to make it different from the other blanket.

Fig. 5 Quilt (www.anniescatalog.com)


25

Quilt in Trifles utilized to show the emotion that Mrs. Wright accidently

express from the way she sewing the quilt. When Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters find

the quilt, it is not sewing neat and over the place. It makes Mrs. Hale suspicious

with the quilt. She believes that something happens with Mrs. Wright and makes

her sewing the quilt over the place. It can be seen from the dialogue in the play

when Mrs. Hale said,

MRS HALE. What do you suppose she was so nervous about?

(McQuade, 1999, p.1921)

From the dialogue, actually something happens and makes Mrs. Wright emotion

not stable.

The quilt is the symbol of the emotion of Mrs. Wright since the sewing is

over the place. At the beginning, the quilt it looks so nice and neat. At the end,

Mrs. Wright looks like she does not know what she is going to do and make the

quilt over the place. It is like her emotion toward John Wright about their

marriage. At the beginning of her marriage, everything looks nice. As the time

goes by, Mrs. Wright cannot find who she is anymore since John Wright is taking

everything that she has including the bird that he kills.

f. Birdcage

According to an article that written by Lech Mazur, birdcage is a home for

bird as a pet where they can fly but ensure they do not fly away. Birdcage is made

large enough so the bird still can do their activity like when they are living in the

nature (www.madehow.com).


26

Fig. 6 Birdcage (www.zstatue.com)

The birdcage in this play is symbolizing how Mr. Wright treats Mrs. Wright.

She is like a bird trap in a birdcage that cannot fly freely. Before Mrs. Wright

married to Mr. Wright, people know her as Minnie Foster. She joins the choir and

sings with the other member of the choir. Since she married to John Wright, she

cannot go anywhere. She is only stay at home and does what a wife should do for

their husband. Her life after she is married just like a bird in a birdcage that cannot

go to places that she wants.

One of the doors of the birdcage that pulled part shows how hard John Wright

treats Mrs. Wright. The dialogue between Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters shows the

possible reason why the door can pull a part.

MRS PETERS. (examining the cage) Why, look at this door. It's broke.

One hinge is pulled apart.

MRS HALE. (looking too) Looks as if someone must have been rough

with it.”

(McQuade, 1999, p.1922)

Another description that can support the character of John Wright is when

Mrs. Hale tries to give description about John Wright behavior.

MRS HALE: Yes—good; he didn't drink, and kept his word as well as

most, I guess, and paid his debts. But he was a hard man, Mrs Peters.

Just to pass the time of day with him—(shivers) Like a raw wind that


27

gets to the bone, (pauses, her eye falling on the cage) I should think she

would 'a wanted a bird. But what do you suppose went with it?

(McQuade, 1999, p.1922)

From the dialogue, the readers can see that Mr. John Wright is a straight

person that is always doing everything orderly. It also can be seen that Mr. Wright

is a hard man that may be too hard to Mrs. Wright.

g. Bird

In an article that is written by Melissa Russell (2014), she explains that bird is

the symbol of freedom (signology.org). Bird can walk, swim, and fly to the sky

shows that they have their freedom to go anywhere. In many cultures, bird is also

used as the symbol of link between heaven and earth.

Fig. 7 Bird (www.pinterest.com)

Bird that find by Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peter is symbolizing Mrs. Wright

herself. In her dialogue, Mrs. Hale uses bird for describing Mrs. Wright who also

known as Minnie Foster. Mrs. Hale says that Minnie Foster can sing like a bird.

MRS HALE. Why, I don't know whether she did or not—I've not been

here for so long. There was a man around last year selling canaries

cheap, but I don't know as she took one; maybe she did. She used to

sing real pretty herself.” (p.1921)

In Mrs. Hale’s dialogue, the play tries to build the imagination of the readers

about Mrs. Wright by using bird as the symbol of Mrs. Wright.


28

Evidence in the play is applied to emphasize that the bird is the symbol of

Mrs. Wright is in the conversation between Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters.

MRS HALE. You weren't raised round here, were you? (MRS PETERS

shakes her head) You didn't know—her?

MRS PETERS. Not till they brought her yesterday.

MRS HALE. She—come to think of it, she was kind of like a bird

herself—real sweet and pretty, but kind of timid and—fluttery. How—

she—did—change. (silence; then as if struck by a happy thought and

relieved to get back to everyday things) Tell you what, Mrs Peters, why

don't you take the quilt in with you? It might take up her mind.”

(McQuade, 1999, p.1922)

In the dialogue above, it is stated directly that the bird is the symbol of Mrs.

Wright. From the dialogue, it shows that Mrs. Wright in her past life is joining the

choir in the town. She is also often to wear pretty dresses. In the play, it states

directly that Mrs. Wright is like the bird itself that pretty and like to sing.

After she is married to John Wright, she loses everything that she has in the

past. Her life is just like bird that lives in birdcage. Sha cannot go anywhere and

has to stay at home doing her duty as a house wife. When the bird is dead because

of John Wright treatment, Mrs. Wright lose herself. At the moment the bird is

dead, Mrs. Wright is also dead inside. She loses her sanity and strong enough to

kill John Wright.

2. Characters

The characters can help deliver the hidden meanings of the play that can be

seen from the characterization of the characters in the play. The characters need to

be analyzed so the readers can understand the problem and the hidden meanings

that the play tries to say. Trifles has five characters in the play. It is the County

Attorney or George Henderson, the Sheriff or Mr. Peters, Mrs. Peters, Mr. Hale,


29

and Mrs. Hale. All of them have different kind of characterization. The researcher

finds the characterization of the characters by using the theory that is mentioned

by Murphy.

a. County Attorney

In the play, County Attorney describes as a person that is always thinking

logically. He starts the investigation from the crime scene. He argues that from the

crime scene, he can find the evidences of the murder. Though it is right, he forgets

that the evidences can come from any corner of the house. Other than that, County

Attorney is not paying attention on little things that other character tries to tell

when he is interviewing the other characters.

COUNTY ATTORNEY. (looking around) I guess we'll go upstairs first—

and then out to the barn and around there, (to the SHERIFF) You're

convinced that there was nothing important here—nothing that would point to

any motive.

SHERIFF.Nothing here but kitchen things.

(McQuade, 1999, p.1917)

From the dialogue, it can be seen that County Attorney is not paying attention to

little things. He only focuses on the crime scene and not pay attention on the little

things that may be can help him solve the case. The readers can also see that

County Attorney argue nothing is important if it is related to women.

b. Sheriff

Sheriff that helps the County Attorney is also known as Mr. Henry Peters. He

also has the same characterization like the County Attorney. He believes that

everything about women is not helping them to solve the murder case. In his

opinion, women only care about unimportant things. It can be seen in the dialogue

between Sheriff and County Attorney.


30

COUNTY ATTORNEY. (looking around) I guess we'll go upstairs first—

and then out to the barn and around there, (to the SHERIFF) You're

convinced that there was nothing important here—nothing that would point to

any motive.

SHERIFF.Nothing here but kitchen things.

(McQuade, 1999, p.1917)

In the dialogue, Sheriff argues that the kitchen’s things that they find are not

helping them to solve the murder case.

c. Mrs. Peters

It can be seen from her name that Mrs. Peters is the Sheriff’s wife. She

always obeys the rule as her duty as of Sheriff’s wife. She is afraid to do things

that could break the rules.

MRS PETERS: I know what stillness is. (pulling herself back) The law has

got to punish crime, Mrs. Hale.

MRS HALE: (not as if answering that) I wish you'd seen Minnie Foster

when she wore a white dress with blue ribbons and stood up there in the

choir and sang. (a look around the room) Oh, I wish I'd come over here

once in a while! That was a crime! That was a crime! Who's going to

punish that?

MRS PETERS: (looking upstairs) We mustn't—take on.

(McQuade, 1999, p.1924)

At the end of the play, Mrs. Peters finally brave enough to break the rule to help

Mrs. Wright. She helps Mrs. Hale to hide the evidences that they find in the

kitchen.

d. Mr. Hale

Though Mr. Hale dialogue is not as much as the other characters, but from the

dialogue, the play gives clear description of his character. Based from the

dialogue, Mr. Hale is showing that he has the same opinion about women.

MRS PETERS. (to the other woman) Oh, her fruit; it did freeze, (to the

LAWYER) She worried about that when it turned so cold. She said the

fire'd go out and her jars would break.


31

SHERIFF. Well, can you beat the women! Held for murder and worryin'

about her preserves.

COUNTY ATTORNEY. I guess before we're through she may have

something more serious than preserves to worry about.

HALE. Well, women are used to worrying over trifles.

(McQuade, 1999, p.1917)

It shows how Mr. Hale underestimates women that he believes only care about

unimportant things. His characterization is like the County Attorney and the

Sheriff’s characterization in the play.

e. Mrs. Hale

In the play, Mrs. Hale is described as brave woman that brave enough to

criticize the men. In her dialogue she shows how angry she is when the men are

looking and judging toward women things. She is also described as a sympathetic

friend. When she comes to Mrs. Wright house, she is feeling sad. She shows that

she can feel how suffer Mrs. Wright is.

MRS HALE. It would, wouldn't it? (dropping her sewing) But I tell you

what I do wish, Mrs Peters. I wish I had come over sometimes when

she was here. I—(looking around the room)—wish I had.

MRS PETERS. But of course you were awful busy, Mrs Hale—your

house and your children.

MRS HALE. I could've come. I stayed away because it weren't cheerful—

and that's why I ought to have come. I—I've never liked this place.

Maybe because it's down in a hollow and you don't see the road. I

dunno what it is, but it's a lonesome place and always was. I wish I had

come over to see Minnie Foster sometimes. I can see now— (shakes her

head)

(McQuade, 1999, p.1922)

When she knows that something happens to Mrs. Wright. She feels sad because

she is not there when Mrs. Wright needs her. She also feels sad when she

imagines Mrs. Wright’s feeling with all the loneliness around her.


32

The play describes Mrs. Hale as a detailed woman that is always paying

attention on little things. In the dialogue, Mrs. Hale can find evidences that

County Attorney cannot find. When she sees the quilt that Mrs. Wright makes, she

can see that Mrs. Wright emotion is unstable. However, when County Attorney

come and see that Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters talk about the quilt, he laughs at it.

He is not trying to see the quilt but laugh at it since sewing is a thing that women

usually do.

3. Setting

Mentioned by Murphy in his book, it is stated that setting is the background

against which the characters live out their lives (1972, p.141). Murphy is

explaining that there are three points of setting a writer needed to help the readers

understanding a story (1972, pp. 143-148):

a. Time

Setting of time that utilizes in this play is past time. From the play, it can be

seen that actually the play tries to describe the case that she finds when she is

working as journalist for Des Moines Daily News. The play utilizes the past time

as the setting of time of the play to show about the case that she finds when she is

working as a journalist.

b. Place

In this play, kitchen is use as the setting of place of the play. According to

theory that is applied, this setting of place is a familiar place. Kitchen is known as

a place where women are work. The kitchen is described as a kitchen that dirty


33

because there are lots unwashed dirty dishes and pans, loaf of bread outside the

breadbox, a dishtowel on the table and other signs of incomplete work.

c. Atmosphere

It is explained that atmosphere is the general feeling that is felt by the readers.

It can conclude that atmosphere depends on what the readers feel. Therefore, the

readers can say that the atmosphere can be terrifying, cheerful, happy and so on.

The atmosphere of the play is sorrow and tense. The sorrow can be felt when the

readers know actually what happens to Mrs. Wright life that leads her make a

decision to kill her husband. The tense can be felt when Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters

tries to hide the evidences from the men. When Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters realize

that they can find the motive of the murder, they try to hide the evidences of the

murder. This can be found in the ending of the play when Mrs. Hale and Mrs.

Peters try to hide the death bird.

B. Hidden Meanings Seen from Symbols, Characters, and Setting

After finding the symbols, characters, and settings that is presented in the

play, the researcher tries to examine the symbol, character, and setting to find the

hidden meanings that the play tries to deliver.

1. Symbols Representing Mrs. Wright’s life

The play employs little things as the symbols of the play. The symbols are

things that can be found easily in Mrs. Wright’s kitchen. Though the symbols that

are used are little things, the play shows to the readers the power of little things


34

that the play tries to deliver. Using the little things that they find in the kitchen,

Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters can solve the murder case.

Symbols in Trifles utilized to describe about how Mrs. Wright life is. The

symbols in the play are describing about the feeling and history of Mrs. Wright.

Through the symbols, the reader also can see what Mrs. Wright has to through in

her life. After finding things that considered as symbols of the play, there are

hidden meanings that the researcher finds from each symbols of the play:

a. Mrs. Wright’s Oppressed Life

The play does not explain directly who Mrs. Wright is. The play is using bird

as the symbol of Mrs. Wright to describe her life. When the men are trying to find

the evidences, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters are staying at the kitchen to collect

things that Mrs. Wright may be need when she stays at the police office. When

they spend their time together at the kitchen, Mrs. Peter also can get to know more

about Mrs. Peters. In the play, Mrs. Peters does not know lots about Mrs. Peter

because she is a newcomer.

The play uses bird to describe Mrs. Wright. In dialogue between Mrs. Hale

and Mrs. Peters, the readers can understand who Mrs. Wright is. She really likes

to sing. She joins choir and it is mentioned several times in the play. She is also

known as a real sweet and pretty girl. She is wearing pretty dresses and singing

with the choir. Mrs. Hale states directly in her dialogue that Mrs. Wright is

singing beautifully like a bird.

After she is married to John Wright, Mrs. Wright’s life is like a bird that is

trapped in a birdcage. John Wright does not allow her to go anywhere. She has to


35

stay at home and do things that she has to do as a wife. It is mentioned by Mr.

Hale that John Wright is really like a quiet place. That is why their home is down

in a hollow far away from the town. The quite situation of the house must make

Mrs. Wright feels lonely. Her life completely changes. This can be the reason why

Mrs. Wright is buying a bird to accompany her.

From the dialogue between Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, the readers can also

see the relation between the bird and Mrs. Wright. Before Mrs. Wright is married

to John Wright, she is like a bird that can sing everyday happily. She can do

everything that she wants. After she married to John Wright, her life is still like a

bird but traps in a birdcage. She cannot go everywhere since she is trap in the

house.

b. Mrs. Wright’s Confusion

From the analysis that the researcher has done, it can be seen that rocking

chair that is mentioned in the play symbolizes Mrs. Wright’s feeling of confusion.

When the first time rocking chair is mentioned in the play, the play explains about

meaning of the rocking chair by using conversation between the County Attorney

and Mr. Hale. It is stated by Mr. Hale that Mrs. Wright is sitting on the rocking

chair and acting odd. She is rocking the chair back and forth. It makes Mr. Hale

feel uncomfortable. He realizes that Mrs. Wright looks queer, as she does not

know what she should do next.

The quilt that is mentioned also used to explain what Mrs. Wright’s feels. It

applied to explain about her feeling of her marriage. When Mrs. Hale and Mrs.

Peters is finding quilt that Mrs. Wright makes, the quilt is sewing over the place.


36

From the conversation between Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, it explains that at the

beginning Mrs. Wright sews the quilt nice and neat. When they are seeing the last

part, the sewing is over the place. The quilt is symbolizing Mrs. Wright feeling

about her marriage. At the beginning of her marriage everything is full of

happiness. As the time goes by, Mrs. Wright feels lonely since Mr. Wright does

not allow her to go out. Before she is married to John Wright she is a happy

woman who is joining the choir. She has lot of friends for sure. She is always

wearing pretty dresses to show how happy she is. Everything changes after she is

married to John Wright. She has to obey her husband. She has to stay at home

down the hollow which far away from town. She becomes completely different

person after she married to John Wright. After feeling losing everything that she

has, she starts to lose herself as well. She does not know what she should do. Her

emotion and feeling that she felt represented from the quilt that she sews.

Rocking chair and quilt in the play has the same meaning. It can be seen from

the dialogue of the characters. When County Attorney is asking Mr. Hale about

Mrs. Wright, he is stated that she looks queer. She is rocking the chair back and

forth like she does not know what she should do next. The quilt is also explained

the same way by Mrs. Hale. In her dialogue, she states that the quilt that she finds

looks odd. Mrs. Wright sews the quilt over the place like something is bothering

her mind. It can be concluded that the play is using rocking chair and quilt to

show the confusion that Mrs. Wright feels.


37

c. Mrs. Wright Loneliness

The bird also utilized to show how lonely Mrs. Wright is after she is married

to John Wright. In the play, it is explained that John Wright is a person who really

likes peace and a quiet place. He always believes that people are talking too much.

It is annoys him and it makes him decides to have a house down the hollow far

away from the town. John Wright and Mrs. Wright’s characterization is

completely different. Mrs. Wright knows lots of people because she is joining the

choir. Everybody knows her as a beautiful girl who likes to sing and often

wearing pretty dresses. She is used to being in the middle of the crowd. While

John Wright, he prefers staying at home where he can find peace and silent. He

likes to stay away from the crowd.

The changes that she feels after married to John Wright make her feels lonely.

When she becomes Mrs. Wright, she loses everything that she has. She has to stay

at home and do things that she has to do as a wife. She does not have children and

it makes her has to stay at house alone. Their house is down in a hollow and far

away from the town. It is mentioned by Mrs. Hale that the house is not a cheerful

place. No wonder Mrs. Wright feels lonely every day. Since she is always feeling

lonely, she buys a canary to accompany her. This is showing how lonely Mrs.

Wright is. She does not feel strange when she has to be friend with a bird.

d. Mrs. Wright Being Maltreated by Mr. Wright

The play is utilized cherries in the jar and birdcage to show how John Wright

treats Mrs. Wright. When Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters come to Mrs. Wright’s

kitchen, they are worrying about cherries in the jar. They are afraid that it breaks


38

because of the cold temperature. When they find the jar, it turns out that the jar is

already broke. The jar that is used in the play is just like Mrs. Wright who is break

inside because of the coldness of John Wright.

In Mrs. Hale dialogue, it is mentioned that John Wright is a hard and cold

person. She also clarifies that John Wright’s cold behavior is like a raw wind that

gets to the bones. As the time goes by, it makes Mrs. Wright broken inside just

like the jar that breaks because of the cold temperature. It is also make the cherries

inside are freezing. The cherries in the jar are showing all the effort that Mrs.

Wright has done for John Wright. To make the cherries, usually women are

spending all summer to prepare everything. It is showing hard work that Mrs.

Wright has done for John Wright. However, everything freezes since John Wright

never appreciates all efforts that Mrs. Wright has done for him.

Birdcage in this play is showing that John Wright is a hard man. He never let

Mrs. Wright go outside of the house. She is like a bird that living in a birdcage.

Living in the house every day and cannot go anywhere makes Mrs. Wright lonely.

It makes her lonelier because they do not have children. It is completely different

life that she lives compare to her life before she married to John Wright. Now she

just likes a bird that is living in a birdcage. She loses her freedom to meet and

socialize with people she knows.

e. Mrs. Wright’s Fondness of Helpless Creatures

Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters find a pretty box and piece of silk when they are

trying to find a scissor. They are surprised when they find a dead bird inside the

pretty box and wrapped up with a piece of silk. It turns out that Mrs. Wright plan


39

to employ the pretty box and piece of silk to wrap up the bird to bury the dead

bird. From the way she treats the dead bird, the readers can see how she really

loves the bird. She gives a beautiful final tribute for her only friend. She employs

a pretty box and piece of silk to show her final tribute towards the bird.

When she finds that the bird is dead, she feels sad. The bird is the only friend

that she has. The bird also the only way that she can do to reminds her of her past

life when she sings in the choir. That is why when she finds that John Wright kills

the bird, she is really upset. She loses herself and she kills him the way he kills the

bird.

It explained that Mrs. Wright is not using usual box but she employs a pretty

box. It is like a box that you would give to a special friend. She also uses piece of

silk to wrap the bird which shows how precious the bird is. Silk is known as one

of the highest class of cloth. It is because of the process that needs patient and

special treatment. That reason why Mrs. Wright uses a piece of silk is to show her

final tribute towards her precious friend using a special kind of cloth.

2. Male Characters Outnumbering Female Characters

a. Male Domination

In delivering the hidden meanings, the play utilizes the characters of the play.

From the analysis of the characters, it can be seen that the men are more

dominant. The men always decide what they should do next. It is different from

the women who only listen to the men. When the men are going to the bedroom,

Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters are asked to stay at the kitchen and take things that

Mrs. Wright may be need.


40

Other than that, the men also always believe that everything that is related to

the women is unimportant things. They argue that the women only care about

little things that cannot help them to solve the case. It turns out little things that

the men believe is not important are the evidences of the case.

In the play, the amount of the characters is also showing the hidden meaning

of the play. The play tries to emphasize to readers about the men domination that

happens at that time. Through the characters, the play is showing the amount of

the men and women characters that is not equal. There are three men characters

and two women characters. The amounts of men are more than the women

characters in the play. It shows that the play also pay attention to the little things

that can use to criticize about the domination of men that happen at that time.

b. Female Subordination

In the play, it can be seen that County Attorney and Sheriff are played by the

men. It is because at that time most of women only work as a house wife. They

are not allowed to work. People believe that men are smarter and stronger than

women. They argue that women are too weak to do things beside their work as a

wife at the house. That is why in the play Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters are only

asked to stay at the kitchen while the men are trying to solve the murder case.

3. Setting Depicting Male-Female Relationship

From the setting of time, there are hidden meanings that are found by the

researcher. In the following discussion, the researcher explains the hidden

meanings that are found in the play:


41

a. Representation of Male Domination

Setting of the time is also utilized to deliver her hidden meanings. The play

uses the setting of the play back to 1900 when Susan Glaspell finds the case. At

that time, female are more dominant since people believe that men are smarter and

stronger than women. Through the setting of time, the play also tries to show the

situation that often happens between men and women. At that time, men are more

dominant. People believe that men can solve every problem. They also always

know the answer of every question that they find.

b. Representation of Domestic Obscurity

The play chooses kitchen as the setting of the place in a purpose. Back to

1900, all things that relate to women are considered as unimportant things for

men. In the play, the men are not investigating the kitchen. They only focus on the

bedroom and barn. It turns out that all the evidences that they need are in the

kitchen. Using the setting of place, the play tries to criticize the situation that

happens back in 1900. The play tries to tell the readers that we should not

underestimate things that are considered as little things. The play utilizes kitchen

as the setting of place to emphasize that at that time things that are related to

women are always being underestimate by the men.

In the play, the kitchen is described as a dirty kitchen. There are lots

unwashed dirty dishes and pans, loaf of bread outside the breadbox, a dishtowel

on the table and other signs of incomplete work. At that time, kitchen is known as

a place where women are doing their their works. The kitchen in the play is a dirty

and untidy kitchen. It shows that something happens to Mrs. Wrights that makes


42

her not doing her job as a wife. The play uses a dirty and untidy kitchen to give

clue to readers that actually something happens to Mrs. Wright. The play applies

the kitchen to show what Mrs. Wright feels. The kitchen shows Mrs. Wright that

full of confusion and worry that haunt her and makes her just sitting on the

rocking chair does not know what she should do next.


43

CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION

After utilizing approach and all the theories, the researcher discovers

findings from the play. Researcher discovers that symbols in the play are used

as the representation of Mrs. Wright’s feeling. In the play, Mrs. Wright utilizes

as the representation of most of women at that time. The symbols that are

employed in the play represent most of women feeling at that time. From the

symbols of the play, the readers can see how suffer most of women from what

Mrs. Wright feels.

Researcher also finds that the characters in the play are utilized to show

male and female subordinate that that happens at that time. The play is showing

how men are so dominate at that time. All the decisions are made by the men

opinions. Women are only follows what the men are saying. It can be seen

from the play when the men are decides to solve the case and the women are

asks to stay at the kitchen to collect thing that Mrs. Wright might needs.

Settings in the play are also utilized to delivers hidden meaning of the

play. Past time is applied as the setting of time to bring and show to the

readers about the situation that happens that time. The kitchen is used as the

setting of the play in a purpose. At that time, kitchen are believes as the place

where women are works. Since the women are subordinate, it is impossible to

find something important. In the play, the kitchen is employed as an

outstanding place because kitchen is underestimate place. The play tries to


44

show to the readers that kitchen that is considered as trivial place can be a

place that very important place.

In conclusion, symbols, characters, and settings that are utilized in the play

are trying to show male domination over women that happen at that time.

Using symbol, characters, and settings, the readers can understand what most

of women are feels. The readers also can see the men domination that happens

in the past.


45

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THE HIDDEN MEANINGS SEEN FROM THE SYMBOLS, CHARACTERS…