Miss Brill
In the story Miss Brill, the main character, Miss Brill, is influenced as the story progresses. This influence is caused by the society she lives in and it is enough to change her general thought and attitude.
When the story begins, Miss Brill is very happy and excited as she opens a box that contains her fur scarf. This is evident because she exclaims how sweet it was to see the sad little eyes snap up at her again from the red eiderdown and how she could have taken it off and laid it on her lap and stroked it. (Mansfield, 226) This excitement continues as she is sitting on a park bench and takes notice to many different people doing fun, happy things. She even notices that the band conductor is wearing a new coat. She enjoys sitting there, watching it all. Just like a play.(Mansfield, 226)
However, this excitement changes as when a young man and woman come to sit on the same bench. But as they are about to sit down, the girl explains that she does not want to sit there because of the stupid old thing sitting at the end. (Mansfield, 228) She is talking about Miss Brill when she says this and it completely upsets her. Miss Brill leaves, skipping her usual trip to the bakery, and goes home. When she arrives home, she sits down and then unclasps the necklet quickly; quickly, and lays it inside.(Mansfield 229)
This shows that she was upset with not just the young couple, but with herself. Even though it brought her great joy and excitement earlier, she abandons her fur because she does not think it is acceptable by society. This shows that was indeed influenced by society and went against her own personal liking and judgment in attempt to be more socially acceptable.
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