Steven Fiorillo The thesis of this paper is to prove that the title of Susan Glaspell`s play "Trifles" represents how men considered women`s duties and their opinions to be of little importance compared to a man`s role in society. The dictionary defines the word trifle as something of little importance or value, or to deal with something as if it were of little significance or value (The American Heritage Dictionary). The play opens in Minnie Wright`s kitchen. Minnie`s husband has been murdered, he was found strangled with a rope around his neck. The County Attorney, the Sheriff, his wife and a few neighbors are there.

The Sheriff, the attorney and the men set up the task of investigating the murder. The women, however, are concerned with the appearance of the house, especially the kitchen. The word trifle is used once in the play to indicate how the men think of what the women, are doing in the kitchen while the men are trying to solve the murder. The women were in the kitchen discussing the fact that Minnie was concerned about her fruit preserves. The County Attorney makes the statement:

"I guess before we`re through she may have something