Susan Glaspell

Susan Glaspell (1876–1948) was an American playwright, novelist, journalist, and actress. She is recognized for her pioneering work in modern American theater, especially for her play 'Trifles' and the short story 'A Jury of Her Peers.' She was a founding member of the Provincetown Players, a key figure in the development of American drama, and won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1931 for her play 'Alison's House.'

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Trifles

    Cover of 'Trifles' by Susan Glaspell

    This play is a gripping exploration of gender roles and the dynamics of power through the investigation of a rural murder. Set in the early 20th century, it follows two women who accompany their husbands, a sheriff and a neighbor, to the home of a man who has been murdered. While the men dismissively search for evidence, considering the women's concerns as mere "trifles," the women uncover crucial evidence by paying attention to domestic details overlooked by the men. Through their discoveries, the play critiques societal underestimation of women and subtly explores themes of justice and solidarity, revealing the women's empathy and understanding of the accused wife's plight, leading them to a moral dilemma.

  2. 2. The Verge

    Cover of 'The Verge' by Susan Glaspell

    "The Verge" is a play that delves into the mind and emotions of a woman who feels confined by societal expectations and the limitations placed on her gender. The protagonist, Claire Archer, is an avant-garde botanist who experiments with creating new plant species, reflecting her desire to break free from traditional roles and explore the boundaries of her own identity. As she struggles with her husband's and society's inability to understand her ambitions and need for intellectual freedom, the play examines themes of mental health, feminism, and the conflict between individual desires and societal norms. Claire's journey is a poignant exploration of the cost of nonconformity and the yearning for personal growth and recognition beyond the verge of conventional existence.