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. All through his life, Paul tries to escape from his duties, and he finally escapes from life itself by committing suicide.
Cather’s use of characterization begins with her physical description of Paul. As Paul enters the principal’s office