"Miss Brill"

“Miss Brill” questions for discussion in class:

1. What is the theme of the story?
2. What do you think is the protagonist’s character?
3. What is the protagonist’s lifestyle?
4. What are her needs?
5. What is Miss Brill’s age?
6. What was her vocation?
7. What bearing does her vocation have on the story?
8. Who are her friends?
9. What seems to be her attitude toward the women in the park?
10. What seems to be her attitude toward the men in the park?
11. Describe her room.  Why does she live in this tiny place?
12. Why does she go to the park every Sunday?  What does she find?
13. What does she see as her “purpose” in the park?
14. She is an eavesdropper—why does she do this?
15. What part does the little pelt (fur) play?
16. What remark was made that brought about her epiphany?
17. What do you think about the remark that was made?
18. What is Miss Brill’s new awareness of herself?
19. Why does she not even purchase a slice of cake?
20. How do you look at older people?  How does this story change your perspective and the way you look at older people?
21. How do you expect your own life to be when you are elderly?