Mrs Brill's Suffering

Mansfield develops the character of Mrs. Brill as delusional and lighthearted initially. Miss Brill decides to take her fur out and she repeatedly strokes the fur calling it her “dear little thing.” Mansfield personifies the fur, bringing it to life, because to Mrs. Brill the fur remains her life. The reader can recognize Mrs. Brill’s possible loneliness because of the importance she places on the fur. When Mrs. Brill arrives at her regular destination, the park, she notices “two people [sharing] her ‘special’ seat” and she “[looks] forward to the conversation.” Attempting to listen to their conversation, Mrs. Brill tries connecting with others and fitting in with their lives. Instead of actually involving herself in the two people’s lives,
Ironically, Mrs. Brill observes the people around her when almost no one takes note of her existence. Her ritualistic behavior continues as she comes each Sunday and feels as if “even she [has] a part” and “no doubt somebody would have noticed if she hadn't been there.” Living in her delusion, Miss Brill feels that she remains one with the people in the park and that they too observe her. This false connection she develops allows her to feel important and necessary among the group in the park, attempting to mask her solitude. Soon a boy and girl sit, replacing the older couple from earlier, and begin arguing. The two begin mocking Miss Brill, a “stupid old thing,” wondering why she comes to the park with her funny-looking fur. The two young couple crush Miss Brill’s illusion and essentially her happiness. The tone shifts from a sentimental tone to a pitiful tone, since Miss Brill no longer feels important or apart of the “play,” recognizing her loneliness and old age. The fur she once loved now symbolizes the loss of her youth, happiness, and