The "Trifles" Found:
* The discovery of the dead canary: The women, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, find the dead canary, its neck wrung, hidden in a birdcage. This discovery is pivotal, as it connects to the potential motive of the murder, Mrs. Wright's repressed life and potential emotional outburst.
* The "trifles" become important: The men, including the sheriff and the county attorney, dismiss the women's observations about the "trifles" (a jar of preserved fruit, a half-finished quilt, the empty birdcage) as irrelevant. The women, however, recognize these details as crucial pieces of the puzzle.
* The decision to withhold evidence: Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, recognizing the weight of the "trifles" and their potential connection to the murder, ultimately decide to hide the dead canary. This act of defiance, born from their understanding of Mrs. Wright's plight, becomes the final act of the falling action.
The Significance of the Falling Action:
* Subversion of expectations: The play challenges the traditional view of justice and the role of women in society. The men, blinded by their focus on "hard evidence," miss the significance of the seemingly trivial details. The women, on the other hand, see beyond the surface and recognize the true story behind the "trifles."
* Justice for Mrs. Wright: While the play doesn't explicitly state that Mrs. Wright killed her husband, the falling action suggests a sympathetic understanding of her situation. By hiding the evidence, the women essentially protect her and ensure she won't be judged solely on the "hard facts" presented by the men.
* Feminist message: "Trifles" highlights the importance of female perspective and empathy. The women's ability to connect with Mrs. Wright's experiences, even in the face of a potential crime, is central to the play's message.
The falling action is a powerful demonstration of the women's agency, empathy, and understanding. It highlights their ability to see beyond the surface of events and to recognize the humanity of a woman who has been silenced and misunderstood.