Paul's Case

In Willa Cather's "Paul's Case," Paul is a complex character whose behavior and motivations are rooted in his obsession with an opulent lifestyle. He is primarily a static character, trapped in a...

In Willa Cather's "Paul's Case," the point of view shifts from a third-person omniscient perspective to a third-person limited omniscient perspective. Initially, the narrator provides insights into...

The title "Paul's Case" reflects the notion of a psychological or legal examination, suggesting an inquiry into Paul's complex character and actions. The story, subtitled "A Study in Temperament,"...

In "Paul's Case," flowers symbolize Paul's desire for beauty and escape from his mundane life. The vibrant flowers represent his yearning for a more glamorous and artistic existence, contrasting...

In "Paul's Case," Paul isolates himself from those around him because he feels superior to them. He despises the sordid ugliness he perceives in his school, his street, and his home. He lives wholly...

Irony in "Paul's Case" is evident in Paul's deceit, which he sees as a path to a higher truth. While he lies and steals, Paul views these actions as means to achieve a reality he believes is...

Cather suggests that acceptance of life is the only way to deal adequately with its hardships.

In his interview, Paul displays a unique blend of defiance and charm. He enters the meeting with a suave smile, despite being there for disciplinary reasons. His worn-out clothing attempts to convey...

Paul's father does not approve of his job as an usher. While Paul is deeply invested in his job and the arts, his father sees it as detrimental to his sense of reality. The father's disapproval is...

Paul'

The implication of the title, "Paul's Case," is that Paul has or is a legal or medical problem to be solved. The last sentence of the story widens the reader's focus of vision to make the dead boy...

Paul's quote about the "cash boys" in "Paul's Case" reflects his disinterest in the hard work that leads to success. He is driven by sensory experiences and beauty rather than ambition or...

Paul is embarrassed by his tall, skinny physique, narrow chest, and "hysterical" eyes. He is also self-conscious about his worn clothing, which he tries to offset by wearing a carnation to appear...

The conclusion of "Paul's Case" is subjective and hinges on the reader's perspective. Paul's suicide can be seen as inevitable or tragic, depending on one's views. His disdain for ordinary life and...

Paul runs away to New York after stealing a significant amount of money from his employer. His actions are driven by his desire to escape reality and live in a fantasy world, emulating the affluent...

"Paul's Case" by Willa Cather and "A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner can be linked thematically through their exploration of non-conformity and isolation. Both protagonists, Paul and Emily,...

The Yale student is more experienced and worldly than Paul and, having taken the initiative in their friendship, he also plays a leading role in its demise.

Paul sneaks into his house through the basement window because he is late and doesn't want to face having to make explanations to his father. The "last supposition Paul entertained" was that his...

In "Paul's Case" by Willa Cather, Paul's father desires for him to lead a conventional life, ideally becoming a clerk for one of Pittsburgh's "iron kings." He tries to instill this ambition in Paul...

Paul's Case has two settings, Pittsburgh and New York City, each of which is used by Cather to great effect. Pittsburgh, the location of Paul's home life and his first tumbling into enjoyment of...

"Paul's Case" by Willa Cather is considered a modern story because it explores themes of alienation, the pursuit of beauty, and the conflict between individual desires and societal expectations. It...

Paul's father significantly impacts Paul's life by imposing strict expectations and a conventional lifestyle, which Paul deeply resents. His father's rigid values and desire for Paul to conform to...

In "Paul's Case," Charley Edwards and Paul's father react to Paul's death with shock, guilt, and devastation. Charley Edwards, who shared a close bond with Paul, would have been deeply saddened and...

It can be argued that being a "misfit" is both an essential part of Paul's character and personality in "Paul's Case." However, at the same time, it cannot be considered a definitive character trait,...

One can describe Paul in "Paul's Case" as a narcissist. According to author Rob Saari and several other psychologists and psychoanalysts, Paul seems to be a textbook narcissist, and he fulfills the...

Paul is generally not considered to be a likable or sympathetic character in "Paul's Case" because he acts selfishly throughout the story, especially when he steals money for his own benefit.

Paul feels irritated and wretched after the concert because the music transports him to an idealized world of beauty and excitement, contrasting sharply with his mundane reality. He follows the...

Symbols in "Paul's Case" include flowers, which represent Paul's desire for beauty and his escape from reality, and the red carnation he wears, symbolizing his defiance and individuality. The...

Willa Cather's most powerful technique for developing Paul as a character is direct exposition as an authorial voice that presents information about Paul to the reader in thorough detail. With this...