09.01 Test Short Story: Paul's Case
Evaluate paragraph 11, there is a shift in point of view. How is Paul's character revealed here and through whose eyes?
Before paragraph 11, we see Paul from the eyes of other people. Since the story is in the third person both before and after paragraph 10, we learn about Paul from seeing how other people treat him. However, in paragraph 11, we learn more about Paul personally from his own actions, rather than how others view his actions.
Hypothesize what Paul would be like as an adult if he didn't kill himself.
He could have possibly become successful in the art industry. He also could have lived in New York where he would have been happy surrounded by art and culture.
How Paul is viewed by his teachers? Analyze and describe.
His teachers don't like him and he doesn't seem to listen to them. He doesn't seem to be paying attention in class or really enjoying himself. However, by the end of the first ten paragraphs, we can see that he has other sources of happiness.
Comprehend the meanings of the word "case" as seen in the title.
One meaning of the word "case" is that the plot is about attempting to comprehend a curious boy's life. This suggests that the plot is an effort to figure out why Paul was killed. Another connotation may be the story's mystery element. It may mean attempting to determine what led him to commit suicide, whether it was his family life, his school life, or anything else. Finally, it's possible that it's relating to Paul's life. Paul's situation could refer to his life as a box, which he considers bland, tedious, and confining.
Does Paul love art and creativity? Does he aspire to be an artist in some form, or does the world of the arts offer him something he is unable to find in the other settings? Evaluate and explain.
Paul can see something in the arts that he can't see in his everyday life in Pittsburg. Paul despises his real life, which he finds monotonous and unpleasant. Paul yearns for a life filled with music, art, and beauty, which Pittsburg does not have. He gains access to his dream life through art and music, but only for a little while because he still had to return to the home he despised every night.
When Paul dreams about the life he desires, he usually looks out a window because he feels there is always something separating him from that life. Develop a plan to help break the "window."
Paul could gain the life he wants by attending art classes within his school or his school could offer more music and art classes. He could also breaak the "window" by leaving his boring life and moving somewhere better suited for his passions, but actually come up with a plan to live their instead of going for a weekend and ending his life.
Construct a plan of how Paul could have gotten help.
Paul could have called the suicide prevention line. He could have also shown people his interests and passions. He could have talked to his parent and ask to move. He also could have joined clubs and groups to help him become more involved with his passions and get connections to help him achieve his dream.
What is Paul like? Analyze and describe his character.
Paul is tall and very skinny for his age. Paul is a liar who despises going to school. His work as an usher at the nearby concert hall is something he likes. He has a weary, wrinkled face that resembles that of an elderly man. Paul's two greatest passions in life are music and art, all of which offer him genuine happiness.
How does Paul's case apply to today's society and reveal about human nature?
Paul's wishes for his life are not supported by the society in which he grows up. Because of who he is, he feels alienated from the life he has in Pittsburg. Many teenagers today feel isolated and don't fit in at school because they have different passions. Like Paul this ultimately drives them to escape and seek out the life that feels right or they end their life because it's too difficult.
From your knowledge, What are the four settings in the story?
School, Concert Hall, Paul's father's house, New York City
