1. Through Miss Brill's Internal Monologue: The entire story is told from Miss Brill's point of view, allowing the reader to directly access her thoughts and feelings. This allows for an intimate understanding of her loneliness, her need for connection, and her fragile sense of self. We see her romanticize the world around her, her "play" of imagining the lives of others, and her yearning to be part of their world.
2. Through Miss Brill's Actions and Interactions: Her weekly routine of going to the Jardin Public, her meticulous preparations for the event, and her careful observation of the others reveal her need for structure and her yearning for social connection. We also witness her awkward attempts at interaction with others, highlighting her social isolation. Her interaction with the young couple, especially their harsh words, exposes her vulnerability and insecurity.
3. Through Miss Brill's Sensory Experiences: Mansfield uses evocative imagery and sensory details to show Miss Brill's emotional state. The vibrant "play" of the world around her contrasts with the emptiness she feels inside. The smell of the "sweet scent of almond blossom" brings a fleeting joy, while the "cold" she feels in the air reflects her growing sense of alienation.
4. Through Miss Brill's Self-perception and Narrator's Tone: Miss Brill sees herself as a participant in the "play" of life, an observer with a "special" role, adding to the tragic irony of her isolation. The narrator's tone, often sympathetic but also tinged with a hint of irony, adds further layers to our understanding of Miss Brill's character.
5. Through Symbolism: Miss Brill's fur collar is a potent symbol of her yearning for warmth and belonging. It represents her carefully constructed facade and her desire to be seen as part of the social fabric. The fur losing its "specialness" at the end reflects her shattered sense of self and the loss of her illusion.
By combining these elements, Mansfield paints a poignant portrait of Miss Brill, a lonely, aging woman struggling to maintain her sense of self in a world that seems to have passed her by. She is a complex and relatable character whose story reminds us of the importance of human connection and the fragility of our sense of self.