Who is Bessie Popkin from The Best American Short Stories of the Century and what is their importance? The_Best_American_Short_Stories_of_the_Century English & Literature Bessie Popkin | The Best American Short Stories of the Century

Bessie Popkin is an elderly widow who stays in her home believing that she lives in a horrid neighborhood. Much of the beginning of the story deals with the way Bessie views the changes she sees around her since her husband died. Bessie believes that there is no one in the neighborhood she lives in except gang members and thieves. Bessie is older and forgets where she puts things. When she finds them somewhere she doesn't remember putting it she blames people that are breaking into her apartment.