What is the symbolic significance of Mr. Wright killing Mrs. Wright’s bird?

Question

The bird represents Mrs. Wright’s singing ability; Mr. Wright suppressed his wife’s ambitions to sing professionally.

The bird represents Mrs. Wright’s role as a mother; Mr. Wright killed his wife’s desire to have children.

The bird represents peace; Mr. Wright destroyed the peace of the household by constantly fighting with his wife.

The bird represents Mrs. Wright when she was young and happy; Mr. Wright destroyed his wife’s joyful spirit.

Answer 1

The best choice from the options provided is:

The bird represents Mrs. Wright when she was young and happy; Mr. Wright destroyed his wife’s joyful spirit.

In Susan Glaspell's play "Trifles," the canary symbolizes Mrs. Wright's lost happiness and her former self before her marriage to Mr. Wright. The bird’s singing reflects Mrs. Wright’s own suppressed desires and joys, which were stifled by her controlling and abusive husband. When Mr. Wright kills the bird, it signifies the ultimate destruction of Mrs. Wright’s spirit and dreams, mirroring her isolation and despair in her marriage.