Themes: Choices and Consequences

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The concept of free will is intricately linked to Paul's quest for the American Dream and the deceit he employs to attain it. Is Paul simply a sensitive adolescent overwhelmed by his environment, or is he a dishonest thief evading responsibility for his choices? In the story's concluding line, Cather notes that Paul "dropped back into the immense design of things," suggesting that his downfall was unavoidable. The presence of a portrait of theologian John Calvin, known for his predestination theory, in Paul's room reinforces this idea. Yet, Paul also seems to actively choose his path; for example, he resolves that he would repeat his actions if given another opportunity. This leaves the reader to question whether Paul had no choice but to escape Pittsburgh and his life, or if his fondness for illusion and artificiality highlights his own shortcomings.

Expert Q&A

Why might Paul have committed suicide in "Paul's Case"? Could he have regretted this decision?

Paul commits suicide in "Paul's Case" because he finds the banality of his life unbearable after experiencing the allure of New York. His return to Cordelia Street represents a return to deceit and emotional deadening. While Paul perceives suicide as his only escape, Cather hints at possible regret, suggesting the vastness of what he left undone and the intrinsic death of dreams.

What do Paul's trips to the stock theater, New York, and his suicide have in common in "Paul's Case"?

What these three elements have in common is Paul's desire to explore his identity. He feels the need to become someone else, which accounts for his interest in acting, his theft and escape to New York, and, ultimately, his death.

Why does Paul mention the folly of his haste and what he left undone in "Paul's Case"?

In "Paul's Case," this statement means that just as Paul leaps in front of the train to commit suicide, he realizes he has made a mistake. He would like to stay alive, because there is so much more he wants to experience, but it is too late.

Is Paul in "Paul's Case" by Willa Cather responsible for his internal conflicts?

Paul in "Paul's Case" is responsible for his internal conflicts due to his overwhelming desire for an aesthetic life, which clashes with his mundane reality. His dissatisfaction is evident in his disdain for his teachers and his only happiness found in art. This inability to reconcile his desires with reality leads to impulsive actions, like theft, culminating in his tragic demise. Ultimately, Paul's internal struggles drive his tragic choices, including his final act of suicide.

What might be the moral or lessons in "Paul's Case"?

The main moral of "Paul's Case" is that one should always try to be true to oneself. Paul's problem, however, is that he's unable to do this. Instead, he adopts the false persona of a wealthy young man about town, which he is unable to sustain and which ultimately leads to his tragic death.

In "Paul's Case," does Paul regret his actions in the end?

In "Paul's Case," Paul experiences regret just before his death. As he leaps in front of a train, he suddenly realizes the "folly of his haste" and the "vastness of what he had left undone." This moment of clarity suggests that he becomes aware of the beauty and opportunities he will miss by ending his life. However, as he dies, any regrets vanish, and he "dropped back into the immense design of things."

How responsible is the protagonist for the conflict in "Paul's Case"?

Paul is largely responsible for the conflict in "Paul's Case" due to his persistent escapism and poor choices. Rather than working towards his dreams, he indulges in fantasies, leading him to steal and live extravagantly in New York. While his actions are self-destructive, societal values that emphasize wealth and luxury also contribute to his downfall. Ultimately, Paul's inability to reconcile his fantasies with reality leads to his tragic end, highlighting his personal and societal failings.

The causes of Paul's troubles and subsequent suicide in "Paul's Case."

Paul's troubles and subsequent suicide in "Paul's Case" stem from his profound dissatisfaction with his mundane life and his desire for a more glamorous existence. His alienation, inability to fit in, and obsession with wealth and beauty lead him to steal money and live extravagantly, ultimately resulting in his despair and decision to end his life.

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