Question

make inferences about symbols
read this passage, which develops the symbols of the bird and the birdcage.
mrs. hale: (with a slow look around her) i wonder how it would seem never to have had any children around. (pause) no, wright wouldnt like the bird - a thing that sang. she used to sing. he killed that, too.

• trifles,

susan glaspell
remember that violence was inflicted on the birdcage and the bird. what inferences can you make about mrs. wrights experience in her home? check all of the boxes that apply.
she may have felt trapped and confined.
she may have felt limited as a housewife.
she may have been able to sing freely.
she may have suffered physical or emotional violence.
she may have been lonely.
she may have loved to travel.
done

Explanation:

• The birdcage symbolizes confinement. If violence was inflicted on it, it can imply that Mrs. Wright felt trapped (\(She\ may\ have\ felt\ trapped\ and\ confined\)).
• The bird that sang (symbolizing her own voice or freedom) being killed by Mr. Wright (\(He\ killed\ that,\ too\)) can imply she was limited as a housewife (no children around, no freedom to express herself through singing) (\(She\ may\ have\ felt\ limited\ as\ a\ housewife\)).
• The violence on the bird (a symbol related to her) can imply she suffered physical or emotional violence (\(She\ may\ have\ suffered\ physical\ or\ emotional\ violence\)).
• No children around (\(never\ to\ have\ had\ any\ children\ around\)) can imply loneliness (\(She\ may\ have\ been\ lonely\)).
• The fact that Mr. Wright killed the singing bird (\(He\ killed\ that,\ too\)) contradicts the idea that she could sing freely (\(She\ may\ have\ been\ able\ to\ sing\ freely\) is incorrect).
• There is no indication in the passage about her love for travel (\(She\ may\ have\ loved\ to\ travel\) is incorrect).

Answer:

She may have felt trapped and confined.
She may have felt limited as a housewife.
She may have suffered physical or emotional violence.
She may have been lonely.