Race and Racism
Paul is the only African-American character in the play. He is aware that his race puts him at a disadvantage in the society he wants to join, so he uses it to his advantage by claiming to be the son of Sidney Poitier. By doing so, Paul taps into the appeal of one of the first African-American actors who broke racial barriers, similar to what he is attempting to achieve.
Paul tries to assimilate into this world. He tells the Kittredges, "I never knew I was black in that racist way 'til I was sixteen and came back here [to the United States]. I don't even feel black." He claims he doesn't experience the typical challenges of "being black in America" while pretending to be part of their world. However, when his true background is exposed and he faces arrest, he admits the dishonesty of his earlier statements. He asks Ouisa to accompany him to the police station, saying, "I'll be treated with care if you take me.... If they don't know you're special, they kill you." When Ouisa hesitates, he responds, "Mrs. Louisa Kittredge, I am black," marking his first acknowledgment that race has profoundly influenced his life, decisions, and actions.
Family
Paul's primary reason for deceiving the Kittredges and their friends is his desire to win their "everlasting friendship." His main objective is to create a sense of family for himself. Although his claim that Sidney Poitier is his father is meant to earn the trust of wealthy, liberal Manhattanites, it also reveals Paul's deep longing for a family connection. Similarly, when he pretends to be Flan's estranged son, his wish to form a father-son bond is sincere. Paul's dreams center around family ties, yet the relationships he describes are all broken. He shares nothing about his past, but his isolation is both physically and symbolically emphasized when Trent Conway first sees him standing alone in a doorway.
Paul preferred the Kittredges over others because they noticed him and welcomed him into their group. Unlike Kitty, Larkin, and Dr. Fine, who all left him by himself, the Kittredges remained with him, offering a sense of belonging: "We all stayed together."
The final conversation between Ouisa and Paul underscores his desire to be a part of their lives. Paul expresses his wish to either live with them or take over Flan's business, even beginning to call himself Paul Poitier-Kittredge. Ouisa, recognizing Paul's intentions, seems somewhat receptive to the idea, as she tells him, "We'll have a wonderful life." However, for reasons unclear, she informs the police of Paul's whereabouts instead of taking him to the station herself. This decision breaks their connection. As she confides to the audience, despite her efforts to find him later, she was unsuccessful because "I wasn't family."
Imagination
Imagination is a pivotal element in the play. Paul possesses an exceptionally active and vivid imagination. This talent enables him to convincingly assume the identity of an upper-class young man. By leveraging his imaginative abilities, he gains the trust and affection of those around him. For instance, Paul concocts a story about being abandoned by his father, which elicits sympathy from Rick and Elizabeth, leading them to invite him to stay with them. This creates a surrogate family for Paul, replacing the Kittredge family he yearns to be part of. He further ingratiates himself with the Kittredges and their social circle by claiming connections with theatrical royalty and offering small roles in the film adaptation of the Broadway sensation Cats.
Paul's deep interest in imagination is highlighted in his conversations about The Catcher in the Rye. As the play progresses, it becomes apparent that when Paul states, "I believe that imagination is the passport we create to take us into the real world," he is speaking quite literally. He has meticulously crafted a persona to infiltrate the upper-class world he dreams of joining. Paul's imaginative spirit drives his ambition to become part of the Kittredge family, prompting him to devise an intricate plan to fulfill his aspirations.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.