Final answer:
The form of address for an unmarried French-speaking woman is 'Mademoiselle', similar to 'Miss' in English. While less common in official documentation, it remains a social convention and can convey additional meaning in literature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The form of address used for or to a French speaking woman who is not married is Mademoiselle. This title is analogous to 'Miss' in English and is used regardless of a woman's age. The term Mademoiselle is a traditional form of address that acknowledges the individual's gender and status as unmarried, without reference to her professional or academic achievements. While the use of Mademoiselle is less common in official documentation in France since 2012, it can still be used in social contexts or within literature as seen in the cited excerpt.
In the context of business or formal correspondence, it is advisable to use neutral terms when the marital status of a woman is unknown. The English equivalent of this would be 'Ms.', which similarly does not indicate marital status. When someone has multiple titles, it's best to use the highest ranking title, or inquire about their preferred form of address if possible. This demonstrates both respect and professionalism.
In the provided literary example, the term mademoiselle is employed by the courier, reflecting the usage in social and conversational settings. Additionally, the term is used in the expression of subtle character traits and relationships, illustrated by the courier's seemingly impertinent tone. The choice of address in a narrative can convey numerous layers of meaning, beyond just the basic conveyance of marital status.