A JURY OF HER PEERS - A CHARACTER ANALYSIS As in the case of most, if not all, good allegorical stories, the primary impact of the tale is strongly influenced by the author’s detailed characterization of the setting, as well as the characters’ feelings and passions. Certainly such is the case in Susan Glaspell’s story “A Jury of Her Peers”. Here the reader sees a richness of characterization and setting that is elusive at first reading, but becomes clearer as the story evolves. In the final analysis, it becomes clear just who the jury is and the outcome of their collective verdict. It is by the use of allegorical and metaphorical rhetoric that the tension of the story is maintained so very well. Initially the reader is introduced …show more content…

Humans are egocentric by nature, and it is only through conscious effort and will that humans become able to fully see and appreciate those subtle nuances that form the complete human psyche. One should also note that the men’s approach to the investigation is based on their experience with other men for the most part. The subtlety of the female mind escapes their attention entirely; in fact, it is a subject of derision. This is in direct opposition to the “investigation” conducted by the women. Although they themselves are only vaguely familiar with the accused, they are also very familiar with, and sympathetic of, the plight of her daily routine. The scene set by the author (the broken stove, the threadbare clothes, the dirty pots) all contribute to creating a sense of empathy on the part of the reader for Mrs. Wright. The reader knows the facts of the case as presented in the story. Mr. Wright, ever the dour one, with little to no appreciation for the beauty of life, imposes his overbearing will upon his wife one time too many. By taking from her the only thing in life that she truly cherishes, he in effect destroys all that is left inside her that is good, pure and still relatively untainted. By his wanton killing of her bird, he commits the unpardonable sin; he crosses the line formed by her inner feelings by taking from her the last indication of all that she ever held near and dear to her heart. It is