Willa Cather's, "Paul's Case," is a short story about a young man whose obsessions and fantasies lead others to believe that he is a blatant liar, drug addict, and a peculiar individual. Cather illustrates how the protagonist, Paul, virtually lives within a world of dreariness and gratification. She also portrays Paul's attitude and personality through the eyes of his father and teachers. By examining Paul's behaviors, problems, and motivations, the audience gradually understands and becomes part of the world he lives in.
Paul's behavior in school, from the perspective of the teachers and students, appeared to be extremely eccentric and unusual. In Paul's view, school was a tedious, mind-numbing place with "bare floors and naked walls" which was barren of all life energy. When the principal inquired the insensible teachers to explain their accusations against him, his teachers "fell upon him without mercy." I certainly believe that Paul's company in school was not appreciated because of his blatant lies, odd behavior, twisted stories as well as his learning disabilities. It is also mentioned that "Paul was quite accustomed to lying; found it, indeed, indispensable for overcoming friction." These conflicting statements are undoubtedly a representation and response to Paul's strange behaviors and actions. .
Not only did Paul have a revolting attitude towards the schoolroom, but he also believed his bedroom was an "ugly sleeping chamber." Every moment he thought of his house, the more he dreaded returning back to the grim view and feeling of his bedroom. He truly despised thinking about the pictures of George Washington and John Calvin, which were intentionally placed on the wall by his father. In my opinion, Paul's father valued the presence of role models and was attempting to maintain this aspect within his son. His father also had high expectations for Paul and wanted him to become a "business clerk.
Paul's Case "Paul's Case, by Willa Cather, is the story of a young man named Paul, whose appetite for a life filled with riches lead him to stealing and to his ultimate self demise. ... Paul did not enjoy working at Carnegie Hall. Paul did not enjoy seating the "early comers." ... In the end though, Paul never learned his lesson. ... The overpowering point of view in "Paul's Case" is third-person limited. ...
The short story "Paul's Case" by Willa Cather illustrates the problems of a young man, named Paul, growing up and taking on the responsibility of finding out who he is, and what he wants from life. ... Some of the major symbols present in "Paul's Case" are: the flowers, Cordelia street, the Carnegie Hall, and Paul's house. ... They symbolize Paul throughout the story. ... This declares Paul's independence from the other students, and shows that Paul is different than the other students at his school. ... It symbolizes the life that Paul dreams of having. ...
Elements of "Paul's Case" Willa Cather's, "Paul's Case," uses characterization, irony, and symbolism to tell the story of Paul, who never felt he belonged, but who never wanted to, either. Paul submerges himself in anything to do with art. ... Paul does not feel he belongs anywhere in his middle class, suburban life. ... " (5) Paul is also characterized as a compulsive liar... This characterization of Paul overlaps into the element of irony....
"The Cause-Effect Essay" PAUL"S CASE In the short story of Willa Cather, Paul's Case, there is only one main character whose name is Paul and all the events occur around him. Because of some supporting deficiencies like emotions and wealth, the story ends in tragedy and Paul commits suicide. ... Generally, Paul has some psychological problems and they reflect to his environment. ... Another important cause of Paul's death is his father's abuse and thoughtlessness of him. In the most important term of Paul's need of support, his father is not beside him, and h...
Paul's Case By Willa Cather Analyzing Paul of "Paul's Case" In the story "Paul's Case," Paul's behavior is nonchalant, but yet respectful at times. ... Paul's peers and father think other - wise. ... His father does not approve of Paul asking for money knowing that Paul has a job. Paul should be able to pay for his own carfare but Paul's father gives Paul the money, trusting that Paul is going out to study, but instead Paul goes to theater to escape from his everyday life of school and his community... Paul did not let anybody pull him down from his dreams a...
In Willa Cather's short story Paul's Case we learn of a young man who is fighting what he fears most: to be as common and plain as his world around him. ... For Paul this is his sign of strength. ... However none of this affected Paul. ... Paul's home life was not the least different. ... I observed a correlation between Willa Cather's Paul's Case and William Shakespeare's classic tragedy Romeo and Juliet. ...
Character Essay on "Paul's Case" This is a story of a young man that lived in a world in which he felt he did not belong. ... Paul appeared to take pride in his ability to lie to his teachers. ... The principal spoke of his concern with Paul's father about Paul's fascination with the theater. Paul's father spoke with Paul's employer and told him that Paul was not to walk through the doors of his establishment. This crushed Paul's dream and only fed his unstable state of mind. ...
In the story "Paul's Case," I would agree that the character of Paul is what makes the reading as interesting and exciting as it is. As far as his physical appearance goes, "Paul was tall for his age and very thin, with high cramped shoulders and a narrow chest. ... (pg.109) Paul is in high school, so we can deduce that he is a teenager. ... As we read on further we find that Paul is a very complex character indeed. ... It's ironic that Paul wants to live a rich and refined life but the way he goes about it is by stealing and lying. ...
