The Birdcage

In Susan Glaspell's play, "Trifles",the birdcage and the bird are significant because they are the only evidence of a motive for Mrs. Wright killing Mr. Wright. The bird in a cage represents the last piece of Minnie Foster's soul trapped inside the life of Mrs. Wright. When Mr. Wright wrung the bird's neck, he killed the only joy Mrs. Wright had in her lonely life. Mr. Wright also killed Minnie Foster's spirit.
Mrs. Hale knew Mrs. Wright when she was still MInnie Foster and even said, "No, Mr. Wright wouldn't like the bird - a thing that sang. She used to sing. He killed that, too." Mrs. H...