The three dominant themes of this story by Susan Glaspell are feminism (gender roles), deception and justice. Men investigating a farmer’s murder bring two of their wives to the scene of the crime (his farmhouse) to collect clothing, etc. for the suspect (the farmer’s wife) while in jail. Ironically, although the men mock the women’s ability to contribute to the investigation, the wives find evidence that would convict the suspect. They then face a moral dilemma. A jury of men would not understand the suspect’s suffering. Would justice be served by proving her guilt?
Original Text / PDF / Audio (8,350 words)
Video Versions
1980 Short Film: This version is quite true to the story and captures the mood extremely well. It was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Live Action Short Film (1981). Watch and enjoy!
1961 TV Show: This episode of the famous Alfred Hitchcock Presents TV Series makes several changes to the story. In the original, the women are in their late 30s; in the film, they look to be 20 years older. That’s a lot of extra time to put up with an abusive husband! Also, the dead farmer’s wife claims to have been outside feeding chickens when he was killed, and from the way she acts seems to be doing a pretty good job setting up an insanity plea!