“Paul?s Case” Essay, Research Paper
The Character of Paul in Cather?s “Paul?s Case”
Paul is the main character in Willa Cather?s story Paul?s Case, and throughout most of the story we are given only his perspective and feelings. This insight into Paul?s mind exposes the reader to Paul?s true character as he evolves into the person he has always wanted to be. Other aspects of the story such as Cather?s vivid description of the setting, and the setting?s change from the bleak home on Cordelia Street to the sparkling New York hotel room add more depth to this evolution. Ultimately, the change in Paul?s character is manifested in his case before his schoolteachers, his escape journey to New York, and his reaction to the news of his crime being found out.
While there is no definite point of change to be found in Paul?s case with his teachers, it is evident that this event marks the beginning of a change in his mentality and direction. Before this small trial Paul is perceived as distractingly imaginative, high strung, and desperate for attention. His teachers think ?There is something wrong about the fellow? (408) that they cannot pinpoint. Their opinions of him do not change, but Paul?s opinion of himself begins to ripen and at this point he seems determined to begin rising above their expectations. Concerning that mentality, he wishes that ? . . . some of his teachers [were] there to writhe under his light-heartedness? (408). In one instance after his ?trial? of having to seat one of those teachers at a concert, Paul begins to think negatively of her, but then dismisses those thoughts. He even remarks on feeling ?like the Geni[e] in the bottle,? (409) set free.
Subsequently, Paul?s reckless trip to New York brings about the most evident and significant change in his character. Cather epitomizes this in her description of the view from his train window: The snow was whirling in the curling eddies above the white bottom lands, and the drifts lay already deep in the fields and along the fences, while here and there the long dead grass and dried weed stalks protruded black above it. (415)
Paul?s old habits of fear and self-defecation are much like those dried weed stalks, whereas the ?snow? of his new identity is beginning to cover them up. According to Paul, ?The only thing that at all surprised him was his own courage . . .? (416) in being able to accomplish such a task as running away. That mentality grows from simple self-astonishment to self-acceptance when Paul reaches the point where ?He had only to glance down at his attire to reassure himself that here it would be impossible for anyone to humiliate him? (418).
Paul?s new carefree persona regresses slightly when news of his crime reaches New York. His confidence is shaken, allowing some of his old doubts and fears to resurface:
It was to be worse than jail, even; the tepid waters of Cordelia Street were to close over him finally and forever. The gray monotony stretched before him in hopeless, unrelieved years. It all rushed back upon him with a sickening vividness. (419)
This news affects him so far as to make him leave his sanctuary in New York, apparently to commit suicide on a railroad track far outside of Pennsylvania. Toward this end of the story, Paul grows somewhat numb to his surroundings, letting severe determination overtake his persona. Cather draws a comparison between Paul and a drooping carnation in his lapel: ?It was only one splendid breath they had, in spite of their brave mockery at the winter outside the glass, and it was a losing game in the end it seemed . . .? (420). Paul does not simply accept this ?loss,? however: ? . . . he started to his feet, remembering only his resolution, and afraid lest he should be too late? (421).
The ending of the story does not mention that Paul evinced any regret or any additional fear; instead it suggests that Paul finally reaches a peace with his surroundings: ? . . . and Paul dropped back into the immense design of things? (421). This last statement embodies the reasoning for Paul?s journey to New York and serves well to sum up the finality of his change of character and the shift in his mentality. He is an unsatisfied, creative young man who wants to be surrounded by the things that make him feel alive, and he ultimately finds that liveliness and that peace, and then pays the price for it consciously and willingly.
Другие работы по теме:
The Rocking Hrose Winner Essay Research Paper
The Rocking Horse Winner When a person is lucky, it does not have to mean that they are fortunate with money. Luck is the chance for things to go the way you want them to go with out having any control over the situation. In The Rocking Horse Winner, Hester, the mother seems to believe that luck is strictly having money, and when there is no money, there is no luck.
The Pigman Essay Research Paper In the
The Pigman Essay, Research Paper In the novel, The Pigman, writing by Paul Zindel the main characters are Mr.Pignati, John and Lorraine. They all meet by chance and each becomes a trespasser on another’s life. However, John and Lorraine each gain something from their experience with the Mr.Pignati. Mr.Pignati, John and Lorraine all have their own individual reasons and desires for wanting to be with each character.
The Affect That The War Had On
Paul In All Quiet On The Western Front Essay, Research Paper In All Quiet on the Western Front, Paul is morphed from an innocent child into a war veteran who has a new look on society. Paul used to have a carefree life where he was able to be a kid, but when he enlisted into the army it all changed. Paul became a person whose beliefs were changed because of the war.
Pauls Letter To The Galatians Essay Research
Paper Paul’s Letter to The Galatians When Paul attended the Jerusalem Conference, a decision was made that gentiles would be allowed to become Christians without becoming Jews first. Paul defended the
I Corinthians Essay Research Paper I Corinthians
I Corinthians Essay, Research Paper I Corinthians, the seventh book of the New Testament, was written by Paul to get across that Jesus is alive (15:3-18) and that we will be resurrected (15:35-38), among other things. Today there is no dispute that Paul is the author of I Corinthians. “Both external and the internal evidence for the Pauline authorship are so strong that those who attempt to show the apostle was not the writer succeed chiefly in proving their own incompetence as critics.”1 As internal evidence, Paul identifies himself as the author in 1 Corinthians 1:1 and 16:21.
Misery Essay Research Paper MiserySTORYMAP 1 Sidewinder
Misery Essay, Research Paper Misery STORYMAP 1. Sidewinder Colorado- Paul Sheldon, a novelist that has been writing a series about a character named Misery Chastain. Got in a car wreck on the icy streets in sidewinder. He got in the accident from being drunk because of the celebration he had after completing the series.
The Tragic Character In Oedipus The King
Essay, Research Paper A tragic character is a classical verse drama in which a noble principle character is brought to ruin essentially as a consequence of some extreme quality that is both greatness and his downfall. In the Oedipus Plays of Sophocles by Paul Roche, describes Oedious as a prorper king, powerful person, and very respectful human being for a good tragic hero. “Children, children! Scions of the ancient Cadmean line! What is this meaning of his thronging around my feet this holds out of oil boughs all wreathed in woe?” (sophocles.pg.23)
All Quiet On The Western FrontGallipoli Essay
, Research Paper The Only Difference Is The Uniform All Quiet On The Western Front and Gallipoli are two stories independent of each other that chronicle the experiences of two separate young men in the same war. Paul Baumer, a nineteen-year old German soldier, narrates the story of All Quiet On The Western Front.
All Quiet On The Westerd Front Essay
, Research Paper “All Quiet on the Western Front” was written in a first person style. The story was told by Paul Ba?mer, a nineteen year old student, convinced to enlist with the German army by his schoolmaster, Kantorek. Along with many of his friends from school, he is trained under Corporal Himmelstoss, a strictly disciplined commander who dislikes Paul because of his “defiance.”
Beloved A Review Essay Research Paper Beloved
Beloved (A Review) Essay, Research Paper Beloved I decided to delve into the issue of slavery in this novel. SETHE, the mother of Beloved, and was owned by the character Schoolteacher . SETHE had three children by another slave. Schoolteachers sons would take her milk so she couldn t feed her children. She grew tired of this mistreatment so she decided to run away.
The Most Effective Endings Lead Us To
Think Again About What We Have Read, As Shown Through Mosquito Coast Essay, Research Paper ‘ The most effective endings lead us to think again about what we have finished reading,’ this is a true statement of the novel Mosquito Coast by Paul Theroux, as the ending is imperative to actually push the point of the novel.
Fiction Into Film Essay Research Paper It
Fiction Into Film Essay, Research Paper It is said that books are better then the movies created from books. I feel that the story and the film complement each other for Willa Cather?s short story, ?Paul’s Case,? is about a young, Calvinist man who did not feel that he belonged in his life. He lived on Cordelia Street in Pittsburgh, PA.
Fifth Business By Robertson Davies Essay Research
Paper There are many different paths people can take throughout their lives. In the novel, Fifth Business by Robertson Davies, the main character, Dunstan Ramsey, takes the path of the Canadian hero. There are many different steps to be taken by the hero and Dunstan Ramsey follows his path by completing each step.
The Spread Of Christianity Essay Research Paper
The Spread of Christianity By: Ryan Ku The Apostle Paul had four missionary journeys. These journeys are responsible for the spread of Christianity and created many churches throughout countries of the Mediterranean.
Character Of Hester In Lawrence
’s “The Rocking-Horse Winner” Essay, Research Paper Brandace Barker English IV Ms. Barrera 22 May 2000 The Character of Hester in Lawrence’s “The Rocking-Horse Winner”
The Search For Love In The Rocking
Horse Winner Essay, Research Paper The Search for Love in “The Rocking Horse Winner” “There was a woman who was beautiful, who started with all the advantages, but she had no luck” (873). Both of the main characters in ” The Rocking Horse Winner”, Hester and Paul, are in pursuit of love. First the mother, Hester, “married for love, and the love turned to dust”, she gained children from her marriage but, ” she could not love them” (873).
Movie All Quiet On The Western Front
Essay, Research Paper Movie: All Quiet on the Western Front In the movie “All Quiet on the Western Front” we see the boys almost innocent as they sit in class. The teacher in this scene is pressuring the boys
Rocking Horse Winner Story Vs Movie Essay
, Research Paper The short story, “Rocking-Horse Winner”, and the movie based on it contrast considerably. When the written story has ended the movie continues with ideas, which may not come from the author. Three major differences of the two are: the mother, the father, and the ending. In the movie the mother, Hester, is portrayed as a loving and self-sacrificing person.
Maestro Essay Research Paper Question 11 Good
Maestro Essay, Research Paper Question 11: Good Literature is often judged on not only what is written, but also the way it is written. To what extend do you think he has succeeded in writing a piece of good literature ? Explain your answer with a detailed reference to the text.
Symbolism In The Rocking Horse Winner Essay
, Research Paper D. H. Lawrence’s “The Rocking-Horse Winner” is a short story that widely uses many techniques in which elaborate on the importance of many topics discussed. The character foils, which add to Paul’s character, give a sense of the boy’s growing need to gamble and become lucky. The whispering house is a main symbol in the plot that leads to the outcome of the story and the main force that drives the young boy to find a winner.
Comparison Of Paul
’s Case, The Rocling Horse Winner And The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty Essay, Research Paper In the short stories, “Paul’s Case,” “The Rocking-Horse Winner,” “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” and “Mr. Reginald Peacocks Day,” the main character has their own form of illusion. These characters try to escape from everyday reality by living in their own fantasy.
St Paul Essay Research Paper 1 25
St. Paul Essay, Research Paper 1. (25 Points) Discuss Paul?s background, conversion and some of his views/teachings that may have made him different than the Apostles in Jerusalem.
Paul Essay Research Paper Paul was always
Paul Essay, Research Paper Paul was always an insecure individual. His insecurity was a direct result from the lack of attention he received from his father, and love from his deceased mother. He grew up with minimal support from his father. Paul was never encouraged to do what he was interested in. For instance, when Paul s was at school and was interested in stocks, his father did not encourage his abilities to play the stock market; rather he pulled Paul out of school.
Fly Away Peter notes To Get Started
) Essay, Research Paper David Malouf was born in Brisbane in 1934 (he lived through WW2). The novel was written in 1982. He was a poet before a writer and this has had a strong impact on his style of writing. Malouf is fascinated by opposites, i.e. Australia and England.
All Quit On The Western Front Essay
, Research Paper All Quit on the Western Front All Quit on the Western, by Erich Maria Remarque, is a book that explores the true horrors of World War I thought the eyes of a German solider. This story is shows how World War I was not the glorifying war that some people envision it to be. The author uses the character of Paul to tell a realistic story of what the average WWI solider had to endure.
Beloved Essay Research Paper Beloved by Toni
Beloved Essay, Research Paper Beloved by Toni Morrison In Toni Morrisons novel, Beloved, the main character Sethe, is a former slave who chooses to kill her baby girl rather than allowing her to be exposed to the
The Devolution Of Paul Baumer Essay Research
Paper The Devolution of Paul Baumer Paul Baumer changed dramatically throughout the course of the book, All Quiet on the Western Front. Paul went from an able-bodied, spirited young man in the prime of his life, to an atavistic, instinctive man, doomed to be haunted by his experience of war. Paul quickly learned the irrelevance of his 10-year education from school in comparison to his short 10-week education from boot camp.
Irony In The Rocking Horse Winner Essay
, Research Paper Rocking Horse Irony “The Rocking-Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence is a story about a boy named Paul who lives with parents that lack love and are filled with greed. Tormented by a house that whispers to him, Paul dies trying to convince his mother that he is lucky by picking horse race winners while he rides a rocking horse.
The Comradeship Of War Essay Research Paper
The Comradeship of War War can destroy a young man mentally and physically. One might say that nothing good comes out of war, but in Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front, there is one positive characteristic: comradeship. Paul and his friends give Himmelstoss a beating in which he deserves due to his training tactics.
Book Review Essay Research Paper Book Review
Book Review Essay, Research Paper Book Review Eric T. LibeerPark Hill South High School Thursday, May 27, 1999 Book Review By Eric Libeer Homeland, John Jakes’s formidable noel about the final explosive events of the nineteenth century, is the first in a series that will focus attention on a new “Jakes” family, the Crowns.
Fifth Business Essay Research Paper Fifth Business
Fifth Business Essay, Research Paper Fifth Business In the essay Fifth Business, each of the main character traits is developed more and more clearly throughout their lives. Childhood characteristics are evident in the characters of Dustan Ramsay, Percy Boyd Stauton and Paul Dempster. All paranoia, and memories of the town of Deptford are resurfaced in each of them after they all had left to start lives on their own.
Black Ice Essay Research Paper Black Ice
Black Ice Essay, Research Paper Black Ice Essay ?The distance between where we were and the ideal kept us all in a painful reaching, jumping, leaping at the sky.?