Symbolism is defined by the dictionary as the representation of something by symbols, a movement in art and literature using symbols to express abstract and mystical ideas. In the 1916 theatrical Trifles, writer Susan Glaspell does a remarkable job of transforming the everyday household items of the play into key images which conveys to the reader a deeper understanding of the hidden meanings throughout the literature. The household items which Glaspell chooses to use, are a cage which she suggest is ominous of being trapped, the log cabin quilt which symbolizes the sanctuary of marriage, the canary, a delicate yellow bird seen as a sign of happiness, and finally Glaspell offers Minnie Wrights apron as a sense of safety and security.

To begin, Glaspell uses the literary image of a cage to depict the character of Mrs. Wright as being trapped and confined in a loveless marriage filled with emotional abuse. Glaspel cleverly allows Mrs. Peters the sheriffs wife to find a hidden bird cage in the kitchen cupboards, when she examines this strange finding closely she comes to the conclusion that it is broken [with one hinge pulled apart](321). The

Fourth, Glaspell introduces the importance of the apron, by showing the safety and comfort it brings Minnie through Mrs. Peters statement "she said she wanted an apron. Funny thing to want; for there isn't much to get you dirty in jail. Goodness knows. But I suppose just to make her feel more natural" (320). The apron represents the woman's place in the home; it is associated with a special warmth wrapped together with scrumshish food and delightful smells.

new found cage brings light to the life that Minnie was living. The cage represents the safety of a home but, the cage was her home and her life, she was being trapped, inside this loveless marriage with no way out because divorce was not an option in this time period. Shortly after the cage was found, Minnie's neighbor, Mrs. Hale says, "Looks as if someone must have been rough with it" (321). This statement gives the reader empathy for Minnie's legal situation because it suggests that John Write was an abusive husband. As one can see Glaspell skillfully institutes the bird cage as a symbol of Mrs. Writes confined home life.

rest of it has been so nice and even. And look at this! It's all over the place!"(321). This statement by Mrs. Peters leads us to believe that near the end, Minnie was unhappy with her life. She was tired and this caused for the disarray of the quilted patch work.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Minnie Wrights, John Wright, Susan Glaspell, Hale Peters, Minnie Wright's, John Write, Minnie Peters, Wright Glaspell's, Minnie Foster, Props Symbolism, log cabin, log cabin quilt, cabin quilt, household items, glaspell introduces, bird cage, loveless marriage, bird cage symbol, cage symbol, safety security, literary image, unhappy life,
Approximate Word count = 919
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)