The Symbolism of Props
             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 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.
             Next Glaspell introduces the log cabin quilt, a functional
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