Miss Brill Group

Question:

tinagunderson34
tinagunderson34
Student
College - Freshman

In "Miss Brill," what are some special or particular techniques that the author uses in the development of the character?

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Posted by tinagunderson34 on Sunday March 30, 2008 at 9:21 PM and tagged with author, character, development, miss brill, techniques.

Answers:


  1. kwoo1213 Teacher
    College - Junior

    eNotes Editor

    One of the most prevalent techniques that Mansfield uses is stream-of-consciousness here.  She also uses description of the character's actions to reflect the character, as well.  Mansfield does a masterful job at relaying Miss Brill's thoughts to her readers in this stream-of-consciousness narrative.  Miss Brill's mind drifts to other thoughts as she observes others in the park, much as our own minds might drift to memories, etc., if we were in her position.  Also, the way that Miss Brill reacts to the young couple making fun of her and her fur is indicative of her character, as well.

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    Posted by kwoo1213 on Monday March 31, 2008 at 10:53 AM

  2. chelanne71
    chelanne71 Teacher

    Irony is used extensively.  Nearly everything Miss. Brill states about the characters around her such as they old, odd, and look like they come from their cupboards is indicative of how others see her.  Unfortunately, she does not realize it. 

    In addition, the author uses music and imagination.  Miss. Brill sees the band as the sound track of her life so to speak.  From that notion, she begins to believe she is an actress in a play.  This "revelation" gives Miss. Brill a false sense of connection with those around her and false view of herself.  It also reveals how odd, lonely, and out of touch she is with herself and her surroundings. 

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    Posted by chelanne71 on Sunday September 28, 2008 at 4:36 PM