Miss Brill

Miss Brill by Katherine Mansfield

Miss Brill is certainly an odd lady. She is a people watcher, not living her own life but immersing herself into others lives for a brief time. I believe this is a tell tale sign of someone who is introverted and lonely. From what I can tell, Miss Brill is a relatively old women. She enjoys her sunday trips to the park so much because she feels as though her and the whole public are putting on a play. She comes to this realization and relishes in it, thinking that she is not just part of the audience, but actually on stage like the rest. This instance away from "her room like a cupboard" is some of the most excitement and satisfaction she gets all week (Mansfield 186). Another part of her routine is her fur. I am still quite lost on what exactly her fur is, but it sounds as though it is a cherished part of her day. It is some sort of treat or fine garment that she reintroduces into the public every sunday, making her feel even more excited and confidant about the day at hand. However, all of her excitement over the people watching and the breaking out of her favorite fur, is all demolished when her part in the play becomes too relevant. She sits at her park bench at the height of euphoria when she sees her hero and heroine enter the stage. However, to her disappointment, these punk, teeny-boppers make only to laugh and make fun of her when they believe she is out of earshot. Just as her perception of the young couple is quickly altered, so is her perception of the day and her overall mood. She comes home, sent rudely back to reality, to her lonely house. The play is over.