Essay Questions

How does Mrs. Miller meet Miriam?

Mrs. Miller first meets Miriam when she visits the theater. While waiting in the queue, a small girl approaches her and asks her to buy a ticket for her. After doing so, the girl becomes strangely attached to Mrs. Miller, leading to some uncomfortable situations.

How does Capote introduce Mrs. Miller?

Capote introduces Mrs. Miller by telling us that she is a widow, and has since been incredibly lonely and isolated. He also describes her appearance, saying that her hair is “iron- grey, clipped, and casually wave,” and that her features were “plain and inconspicuous.” Overall, he depicts her as an ordinary and lonely old lady, who generally keeps to herself.

What suggests that Miriam is ominous?

Firstly, Miriam’s behavior is quite strange for a child, and she often instead acts more like an adult. Secondly, her appearance is quite jarring, as she has white hair and eyes that are described as having nothing childlike about them. Overall, descriptions of Miriam suggest that there is something not quite right about her.