Exploring Themes and Characters in Trifles and Everyman

Trifles by Susan Glaspell and Everyman by Anonymous are two plays that explore various themes and characters in different ways. Despite the differences in genre and time period, both plays present a powerful commentary on human nature and societal norms.

Trifles is a play that centers around a murder investigation in a rural community. As the male investigators try to solve the case, the women in the community are dismissed and their insights are ignored. The play explores themes of gender inequality, the role of women in society, and the consequences of isolation.

The play's protagonist is Mrs. Hale, a woman who has experienced isolation and understands the social norms that restrict women's freedom. Her character is the embodiment of the theme of gender inequality in the play, and she is the only character who shows compassion towards the victim, Minnie Foster. The other female characters, Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Wright, are shown to be trapped in the same social norms that oppress them.

On the other hand, Everyman is a medieval morality play that follows the journey of Everyman, an allegorical character who represents humanity. Everyman is summoned by Death, and he must face the judgment of God. The play explores themes of mortality, the meaning of life, and the consequences of sin.

Everyman is the play's protagonist, and his character is the embodiment of the theme of mortality. He is shown to be powerless in the face of death, and his journey is a reflection of the human experience of facing one's own mortality. The play also features allegorical characters such as Fellowship, Goods, and Knowledge, who represent various aspects of human nature.

Despite the differences in genre and time period, both plays explore similar themes of isolation, societal norms, and mortality. Both plays feature protagonists who are struggling with their place in the world and are forced to confront the consequences of their actions. Trifles and Everyman both present a commentary on human nature and the human experience, and they remain relevant today.

In Trifles, the female characters are dismissed and ignored by the male investigators, who believe that their insights are not valuable. This dismissal of women's perspectives is a commentary on the gender inequality that still exists in society today. The play highlights the consequences of this inequality, as Minnie Foster's isolation and oppression ultimately lead to her committing murder.

Everyman, on the other hand, explores the consequences of sin and the meaning of life. The play is a reflection of the human experience, as Everyman must confront his own mortality and the consequences of his actions. The allegorical characters in the play represent various aspects of human nature, and they all have their own unique perspectives on the meaning of life.

In conclusion, Trifles and Everyman are two plays that explore similar themes of isolation, societal norms, and mortality in different ways. Both plays feature protagonists who are struggling with their place in the world and are forced to confront the consequences of their actions. Trifles presents a commentary on gender inequality, while Everyman explores the consequences of sin and the meaning of life. Despite the differences in genre and time period, both plays remain relevant today and continue to provide powerful commentary on human nature and societal norms.