The Misses Moses Character Analysis

Brad Watson’s “The Misses Moses” follows the narrator as he seeks to rent a room from two odd spinster sisters. As the story progresses, strange yet subtle observations made by the narrator as well as the lack of clarification surrounding what led to the narrator’s current circumstances add to the quiet atmosphere of the story. Through the usage of ambiguity, subtly delivering or withholding details, and tactful character development and descriptions, Watson crafts a quiet yet intriguing story with potential for a variety of interpretations.

Throughout the story, there are a lot of details that are not imparted to the readers in a straightforward manner which would allow readers greater insight into the surroundings of the characters. …show more content…
. .” implying that perhaps he was in some form of rehabilitation center, possibly for drugs or alcohol (which a later interaction also suggests). Also, the smaller Miss Moses says, “We’re so sorry about your family . . . maybe it will all work out, in time.” This coupled with the fact that narrator reveals that the apartment was not so different than the ones he rented in the past when he “was younger and single”, gives the impression he is estranged from his family but reconciliation, albeit difficult, is possible. Enough information is given to not confused readers but just enough is absent to create an ambiguous set-up. Furthermore, there are details sprinkled throughout the story that hint that toward possible abnormality of the sisters and even possible sinisterness if the story is read with a certain perspective. When questioning the narrator of whether he partakes in bad habits such as drinking and smoking the smaller Miss Moses reveals, “We could smell it (smoking), if you did . . . And we know you don’t drink.”, followed by a telling look from the larger Miss Moses. This exchange can be taken as that the smaller Miss Moses is aware of the narrator’s situation (if he were recently released from