The bird/birdcage is the central symbol in "Trifles," one that conveyed an important message to the women in the play. Discuss the symbolism, and explain how the underlying meaning motivated the women to hide evidence of Minnie's guilt

The birdcage in the play is the symbol of Minnie’s lack of freedom. By using this symbol, the author compares Minnie with a bird trapped in a “cage” that was her marriage. The bird was Mrs. Wright's only companion. Mr. Wright killed the bird. The killing represents the suffocation of life and by extension, the suffocation of Minnie Wright herself.