During the 1900s women were seen as nothing more than housewives. They were expected to cook, clean, and care for their children and husbands. The lack of respect women received during this time is extremely evident in “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell. In this play women are portrayed as incapable and these women are well aware of this. Mrs. Peters, the sheriff's wife, basically says throughout the play that we can't do that, we're women, and she seems pretty happy with that; while Mrs. Hale is a little more nervous and converts Mrs. Peters to the “dark side”. This play is not only a great read, but a great example of the lack of knowledge men give women, the unity of women, and the rebellion of women against their insignificant status. Women were thought to be nothing more than something to look at during this time. Their brains are believed to have little or no importance, because they are nowhere near as good as a man's. The title of this play “Trifles” has two definitions. The noun version means something of little value, substance, or importance, and the verbal version means to speak in a joking or mocking manner or with the intent to deceive or mislead (Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online). Both definitions correspond exactly to how men feel about these women. During the play Mr. Hale says “Well, women are wont to worry about trifles” (Glaspell, 1283). It is directly stating that women worry about the little things and that their responsibilities are much less superior than those of men. What women have to do during the day is considered irrelevant and therefore it is said that anyone could do it. The county attorney then states, “Dirty towels! Isn't she a great housekeeper, would you say sir?" after washing her hands (1283). The lady....... middle of the sheet ......k of her husband's murder has taken place. The things that men and women say and do show how women's strength was much more advanced than men of that time believed it to be, and this is the main theme of “Trifles.” Works Cited Glaspell, Susan "Nonsense." Literature: Approaches to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. Edited by Robert DiYanni. 2nd edition. New York: McGraw Hill, 2008. "Trifles - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary." - Merriam-Webster Online. November 30, 2010. "Women in the First Half of the Twentieth Century (1900-1960)." Ed. Jessica Bomarito and Jeffrey W. Hunter, 2006. eNotes .com. 2006. Nov. 30, 2010