Gender Dynamics and the American Dream: A Comparative Analysis of Trifles and Death of a Salesman
Trifles: A Feminist Critique of Gender Roles and Justice
This excerpt corresponds with Trifles, a work written by Susan Glaspell in the 1960s that is primarily a feminist critique, exploring the themes of realism versus modernism. Furthermore, it is a brutally realistic play. The highlight of this work in terms of dramatic language is that what has the most power is what is not said. In addition, special attention is paid to feminine language and the construction of meaning. The work guides the audience to understand what happened line by line.
Key Themes and Motifs:
- Women’s fear of being heard
- The significance of silences, pauses, and gestures
- The power of unspoken communication
- The nuances of women’s body language
As you can see, there is a clear distinction between the masculine and feminine spheres. The work introduces one of the mottos of feminism, “the personal is political.”
Distinct Spheres:
- Women: Confined to the kitchen and living room.
- Men: Free to move in the outside world (symbolized by the barn).
The phrase “We call it – knotting it” highlights the women’s awareness of the unspoken truths and the violence they endure. The “knot” represents the mistreatment they experience, while their silence (“No”) reflects their denial of this knowledge.
The Power of Language:
The excerpt mentions “A jury of your peers,” emphasizing the repetition of male ideas and language. The use of “I” versus “We” further underscores the power dynamics at play.
Stage Directions: Unveiling Hidden Truths:
An essential element of this work is the stage directions, which provide the reader with subtle yet crucial information. They reveal the women’s perception of the suspect’s house as a lonely and abandoned place, hinting at her isolation. The mention of the climate and the faulty stove suggests a loveless marriage, further supported by the absence of a telephone, children, and visitors. The men’s initial observation of the unwashed dishes and the kitchen cloth on the table reinforces their judgment of the woman as not being “proper.”
Symbolism and Interpretation:
The women’s observations of everyday objects reveal deeper truths about the marriage:
- The Rocker: Represents the illusion of movement and the wife’s desire to escape the confines of her marriage.
- Cans of Preserves/Jars of Fruit: Symbolize the wife’s efforts and the husband’s mistreatment, as they explode due to the extreme cold.
- Dirty Towels/Apron: Represent the wife’s feeling of imprisonment within her own home.
- Unfinished Quilt: Signifies the lack of happiness in the marriage and the wife’s isolation.
Central Symbols:
- Cage/Bird: The broken cage door suggests violence and the husband’s control over his wife.
- Murder: Open to interpretation, it could be seen as an act of violence by the wife or her desperate need for freedom.
- Minnie Foster Wright: Her name, sounding minimal and needing protection, contrasts with her married name, Wright, alluding to the themes of right and wrong.
Conclusion:
The women’s observations and interpretations of seemingly insignificant details lead them to believe that Minnie killed her husband. They recognize the violence, loneliness, and oppression she endured, ultimately sympathizing with her plight.
The Importance of Being Earnest: A Wildean Farce
This excerpt belongs to the work The Importance of Being Earnest written by Oscar Wilde, a Victorian melodrama written in 1895. Wilde, a proponent of “Art for Art’s Sake,” rejected realism and instead used this play to mock the conventions of melodrama, particularly the well-made play structure popularized by Eugène Scribe in the 19th century.
Subverting Expectations:
While the setting and language appear realistic, Wilde injects absurdity into the characters’ speech and the topics they discuss. The theme of marriage, typically central to melodramas, is treated with flippancy, as if it were a trivial matter. The scene plays out like a farcical job interview, highlighting the superficiality of societal expectations.
Mocking Aristocracy:
Wilde satirizes the aristocracy through characters like Gwendolen and Lady Bracknell. Gwendolen’s statement, “A girl with a simple and unspoilt nature, like Gwendolen, could hardly be expected to reside in the countryside,” reveals the absurdity of her worldview. Lady Bracknell, with her exaggerated dress and mannerisms, embodies the excesses of the upper class.
Costumes and Props:
The costumes reflect the fashion of the time but also provide insights into the characters’ social status and personalities. Gwendolen’s extravagant green dress contrasts with Lady Bracknell’s over-the-top purple ensemble, while Jack’s blue suit signifies his wealth. The props, such as Gwendolen’s cushion and Lady Bracknell’s notebook, further emphasize the characters’ personalities and roles within the play.
Performances and Physicality:
The actors’ gestures and movements contribute to the play’s comedic effect. Gwendolen and Jack’s interactions, particularly his kneeling proposal, are played for laughs. Lady Bracknell’s stiff demeanor during her interrogation of Jack contrasts with his nervous energy, highlighting the power dynamics between them. The exaggerated vocal inflections, particularly the high-pitched voices of the women, add to the play’s satirical tone.
Death of a Salesman: An American Tragedy
This excerpt belongs to the work Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, a quintessential American play that premiered in 1949. The play grapples with the themes of the American Dream, family dynamics, and the disillusionment of the individual in a capitalist society.
Willy Loman: A Tragic Figure:
Willy Loman, the protagonist, embodies the tragic hero. His name itself,”Will” instead of”Willia” and”Loma” suggesting”low man” foreshadows his downfall. Willy’s constant pursuit of the elusive American Dream leads to his tragic end. The play evokes pity and fear as we witness his descent into despair.
Form and Style:
Miller blends realism and expressionism to create a powerful and poignant narrative. The play features realistic dialogue and settings, yet Willy’s hallucinations and the fluid shifts between past and present lend a dreamlike quality to the storytelling. The use of poetic and subjective language further enhances the play’s emotional impact.
Themes and Symbols:
- The American Dream: The play critiques the unattainable nature of the American Dream, particularly its emphasis on material wealth and success over genuine happiness and fulfillment.
- Family Dynamics: The complex relationships between Willy, his wife Linda, and his sons Biff and Happy reveal the destructive impact of societal pressures and unrealistic expectations.
- Symbolism: The play is replete with symbolism, such as the rubber hose (representing Willy’s suicidal thoughts), diamonds (symbolizing success and Willy’s misguided values), and seeds (representing hope and the impossibility of Willy’s dreams).
Conclusion:
Death of a Salesman remains a timeless classic for its unflinching portrayal of the human condition and the disillusionment that can accompany the pursuit of the American Dream. Through Willy Loman’s tragic journey, Miller forces us to confront the complexities of family, identity, and the price of societal conformity.