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AP TIP In this passage, Miss Brill (whose first name is never revealed) feels
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1
like part of the world she is observing. Priding herself on her ability
Remember, point of view
creates meaning because it to notice the rich details all around her, she does not see herself
reflects what the author wants as a solitary or pitiful figure. We get to know her as a vibrant, joyful,
to convey. For instance, appreciative, perhaps even contemplative person. Soon after,
first-person offers a sense however, she overhears a young couple laughing at her, a slight that
of immediacy, drawing the
reader in, while third-person causes her to question whether she really has a part in this world
narration can seem honest that belongs to the young. We never know the motivation or level of
and less biased. awareness of any other character because the third-person limited
Analyzing Short Fiction
omniscient point of view is that of Miss Brill. As you consider the
excerpt from “Miss Brill,” think about how much more connected
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we would feel to Miss Brill as a character were she the one sharing her story with us. We
would, however, also be trapped within her perspective, and we would only experience
what she experiences. A third person limited perspective, such as the one Mansfield
chooses here, means the narrator can zoom in to share more details and zoom out to
share the larger picture.
Another variation on the third-person perspective involves an omniscient narrator.
This perspective gives readers access to what multiple characters are thinking and
feeling. Some omniscient narrators remain objective, recount only what characters say
and do, and offer no analysis of events or insight into characters’ thinking. As a result,
all interpretations are left to the reader. Other omniscient narrators provide subjective
interpretations in addition to relating events in the narrative. In the novel Pride and
Prejudice, for example, the omniscient narrator adds commentary while describing
characters, such as in the passage below when the narrator offers details about Mr.
Bingley’s physical appearance and personality before introducing Bingley’s sisters,
brother-in-law, and friend. As you read the passage, look for additional places the
narrator infuses the commentary with a more personal, subjective tone than an
impartial, objective one.

TRM Annotation Handout from Pride and Prejudice
A student handout for annotating this text Jane Austen
can be found in the Teacher’s Resource
Materials. Mr. Bingley was good-looking and gentlemanlike; of his having ten thousand a year. The gentlemen
he had a pleasant countenance, and easy, pronounced him to be a fine figure of a man, the
unaffected manners. His sisters were fine women, ladies declared he was much handsomer than
CLOSE READING with an air of decided fashion. His brother-in-law, Mr. Bingley, and he was looked at with great
Mr. Hurst, merely looked the gentleman; but his admiration for about half the evening, till his
You might point out the organizational friend Mr. Darcy soon drew the attention of the manners gave a disgust which turned the tide
pattern of paragraph 1 for students. room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, of his popularity; for he was discovered to be
While the ultimate goal is to introduce noble mien, and the report which was in general proud; to be above his company, and above
and characterize Mr. Darcy, readers first circulation within five minutes after his entrance, being pleased; and not all his large estate in
encounter Mr. Bingley, his sisters, and
Mr. Hurst. What is the function of this
technique? You may wish to ask students 16
to circle words and phrases that heighten
the eventual contrast between Mr. Bingley
and Mr. Darcy, and then share their
observations in small groups. 02_SheaLitComp3e_28114_ch01_xl_053.indd 16 27/10/21 9:05 PM
CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING
You may wish to clarify that “having ten
thousand a year” (par. 1) refers to income.
You may ask students to complete a quick
internet search to find out how rich Mr. Darcy
actually was. Then, students might discuss
how the narrator’s inclusion of this detail further
sets up the contrast between Mr. Bingley and
Mr. Darcy.

16 chapter 1 / Analyzing Short Fiction

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