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. How others perceive Paul only encourages him to fulfill his dream of escaping his monotonous lifestyle. Paul feels he is drowning in his everyday environment and his only breath of air is his savior: the theater.
Paul has very little interest in his class studies. This leaves him open to distraction and eventually criticism. Although Paul's appearance is that of a perfect gentleman, his teachers find his behavior inappropriate and unacceptable. The narrator draws particular attention to Paul's eyes describing them as "remarkable for a certain hysterical brilliancy"(Cather 245); this is followed by the response of his teachers who find it "peculiarly offensive in a boy"(Cather 245). Paul's meeting with the schools principal continues as each of his teachers get an opportunity to voice their disgust with Paul. The whole time Paul stands there never losing his smile. This is dubbed "irritating to the last degree" (Cather 246). For Paul this is his sign of strength. He refuses to allow his teachers, of such simple minds, to tear at his soul. They have no understanding of Paul's behavior and do not wish to learn. After the meeting his teachers felt remorse for their onslaught against this mere boy. One remarked on the similarity to a "miserable street cat set at bay by a ring of tormentors" (Cather 247). However none of this affected Paul. He was untouched and unscaved by his teacher's cruel remarks. That was just his way. Paul was in another world, above all these petty judgments. The words of his teachers could not harm Paul; he was simple outside their reach. This sort of belief held by Paul .
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leave's him to judge himself. No amount of discipline could ever change his set ways unless Paul did so of his own free will.
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...
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. ...
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. ... Immediately after school, Paul would hurry to the theatre where he worked as an usher. ... This was Paul's fairy tale a secret love." ... Here is where Paul found his success and freedom most valued. ... Paul is an eccentric individual that is highly critical of reality. ...
