In "Paul's Case," the theme of fantasy versus reality is central to the protagonist's struggle. Paul is a dreamer who seeks to escape his mundane existence through illusions of beauty and wealth. His inability to reconcile his fantasies with reality leads to his downfall. The story explores how Paul's obsession with an idealized world ultimately results in tragedy, highlighting the dangers of living in a fantasy detached from the real world.

Paul's life is dominated by his fantasies, which he uses to escape the monotony of his everyday life. He is drawn to the arts, theater, and music, not for their intrinsic value, but for the glamorous world they represent.

When the symphony began Paul sank into one of the rear seats with a long sigh of relief, and lost himself as he had done before the Rico. It was not that symphonies, as such, meant anything in particular to Paul, but the first sigh of the instruments seemed to free some hilarious spirit within him; something that struggled there like the Genius in the bottle found by the Arab fisherman. He felt a sudden zest of life; the lights danced before his eyes and the concert hall blazed into unimaginable splendour.

This passage illustrates how Paul loses himself in the spectacle, seeking solace in the artificial beauty of the concert hall.

Paul's fantasies are further fueled by his disdain for his reality, represented by his life on Cordelia Street. He views his surroundings as drab and oppressive, longing for the opulence he associates with the wealthy elite. His theft and subsequent flight to New York are attempts to live out his dreams. However, this escapade is short-lived, as the reality of his actions soon catches up with him.

grey monotony stretched before him in hopeless, unrelieved years....[he] succumb[s] to attacks of nausea.

This realization of the inescapable monotony of his life leads to his ultimate decision to end his life.

Paul's inability to accept reality is evident in his interactions with others. He is estranged from his family and teachers, who represent the societal norms he rejects. His revulsion at his teacher's touch and her presence at the concert hall disrupt his fantasy, highlighting his discomfort with reality.

Once, when he had been making a synopsis of a paragraph at the blackboard, his English teacher had stepped to his side and attempted to guide his hand. Paul had started back with a shudder, and thrust his hands violently behind him.

This reaction underscores his desire to maintain his illusions, avoiding any intrusion of reality.

Ultimately, Paul's case is a cautionary tale about the dangers of living in a fantasy world. His refusal to confront reality and his pursuit of an unattainable ideal lead to his tragic end. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing dreams with the realities of life, and the consequences of failing to do so.