An Analysis Of Katherine Mansfield's Miss Brill

The story “Miss Brill” follows around an elderly woman who spends her Sunday afternoons visiting what seems to be a park. The woman is known as Miss Brill, she gives the impression of fulfillment and happiness as she admires her surroundings and the sound of the band playing. The chance to be able to live in another person’s life by watching and listening to them seems to be what she enjoys most about those Sunday afternoons. Although her enjoyment comes from watching the lives of others and forming another reality for herself, she is faced with a rude awakening at the end.
"Oh, how fascinating it was! How she enjoyed it! How she loved sitting there, watching it all!" It is obvious how much pleasure Miss Brill receives from such a humble activity. She has a habit of eavesdropping on other people’s lives and “listening as though she didn’t listen” which gives the impression that this activity helps her cope with being lonely and helps her leave “the little dark room” that she lives in. Miss Brill takes the time to notice every individual around her and hopes that others notice …show more content…
Knowing Miss Brill was listening, he continues and questions, “Why does she come here at all-who wants her? Why doesn't she keep her silly old mug at home?” Miss Brill begins to feel self-deception and is forced to realize that she wasn’t the center of attention or an important part of the crowd full of strangers. She no longer feels as if she’s making a difference to those around her. Miss Brill returned to her little dark room. She does not even feel worthy enough to get herself a small treat at the baker's like she usually did. Also, she takes off her fur scarf which she was so proud of because shame is all she feels. There seems to be a change in her and how she feels about herself after the two young people rudely awakened