Both of these works were written by Susan Glaspell and are based on the real life murder trial of Margaret Hossack of Iowa. Hossack was charged with the 1st degree murder of her husband in their bedroom. She murdered him because he had been abusing her as well as their children (Bryan). The play "Trifles" was written in 1916, about the time that the first laws against child and spousal abuse were being introduced. The short story "A Jury of Her Peers" is based on the play "Trifles" and is usually chosen over the play version by most people (Cadden). "Trifles" is a one act play performed by a handful of actors and actresses. During the time that the murder took place and the play was written there were not any women police officers, lawyers, judges, or jurors. A women charged with the murder of her husband was likely to be sentenced to jail or even to death (Angel). To read "Trifles" online click here To read "A Jury of Her Peers" online click here. |
