Miss. Brill = Fur

7. What function does Miss Brill's fur serve in the story? What is the meaning of the final sentence?

Miss Brill's and her fur share many characteristics. They both are alone and shoved away from the world. Whether this be in a box or just confined in a room. Then, there is a time when Miss Brill and the fur get enough courage to come of of hiding, brush themselves off, and prepare to present themselves in public. When this happens they find a meaning to their life. The fur "feels wanted" and looks good on the older woman. At the same time, Miss Brill finds a purpose in her life. She feels that she is a part of life's big drama and without her, everyone would notice. Once she hits this climax in the drama she is in, she lets two other characters bring her and her fur down. Miss Brill looked upon this young boy and girl as the wonderful hero and heroine in the story, until she overhears them. They speak of her as a "stupid old thing" and they wonder " Why doesn't she keep her silly old mug at home?" Not only do they criticize her, they speak of her fun in a poor manner too. "It's her fur which is so funny, it's exactly like a fried whiting (fish)." This completely kills Miss Brill's mood. She returns to her home and her dark room as her fur is also returned to its dark box.

The last line says, "But when she put the lid on she thought she heard something crying." Since Miss Brill and the fur are parallels, I believe that this last line indirectly shows how Miss Brill wept after her Sunday encounter.