Paul's Case Questions on Paul

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...

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Paul's Case

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,"...

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Paul's Case

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...

3 educator answers

Paul's Case

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.

1 educator answer

Paul's Case

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...

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Paul's Case

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...

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Paul's Case

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...

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Paul's Case

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

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Paul's Case

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...

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Paul's Case

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...

1 educator answer

Paul's Case

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...

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Paul's Case

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.

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Paul's Case

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...

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Paul's Case

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...

1 educator answer

Paul's Case

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...

3 educator answers

Paul's Case

"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...

2 educator answers

Paul's Case

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...

1 educator answer

Paul's Case

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...

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Paul's Case

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...

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Paul's Case

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...

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Paul's Case

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,...

1 educator answer