How is the narrative and theme of "Miss Brill" relevant to and reflective of contemporary society?

The theme of loneliness in "Miss Brill" is timeless. Certainly, there are lonely people nowadays, as there are also older people who feel marginalized by society.

Perhaps today there are even more lonely people, although they may be in the midst of others. People working in cubicles, and other isolated workplaces, tend to sense an estrangement, just as Miss Brill feels alienated while she sits on the park bench because of the young couple's cruel remarks.

Like Miss Brill, who is older, there are many seniors in society who feel as though there is little left for them to relate to. They are also much like Miss Brill, who returns to her "little dark room--her room like a cupboard." Then, too, they feel laid aside somewhat like the poor little necklet that she lays in the box as it seems to emit something like crying as she replaces the lid.

But today...she went into the little dark room--her room like a cupboard....She sat there for a long time....She unclasped the necklet...But when she put the lid on she thought she heard something crying.

Even younger people experience feelings of separateness when in the midst of others. When, for instance, a person breaks up a relationship by texting rather than informing the other person face to face, there does seem to be something cold and impersonal about this action. Thus, the person who suffers the dissolution of this personal relationship may easily experience negative feelings and a sense of being completely alone.