Literary terms "Paul's Case"
Themes
Depression is a key theme shown at the end of the story where Paul's depression causes him to take his own life. Another theme is the luxurious life which is shown constantly when Paul is in New York City. In addition, the power of desire is a theme as it was due to Paul's ambition that he decided to flee. Next, the theme of lies and deceit is shown when Paul steals the money from the theatre to fund his trip. Bipolarity is also another theme. This occurs throughout the story as Paul's moods vary from happy to sad in a short period of time.
Antagonist
Paul
Protagonist
Paul
Round character
Paul
Character Foil
Paul and his father are character foils. While Paul wants to live a lavish lifestyle in New York City, his father wants to live a simpler life as seen how stingy he is with money. Another factor is their age. While Paul is strongly passionate about the theatre, his father views it as a source of small income.
Irony
Paul goes to New York City to live his life and find lasting happiness. However, Paul ends up feeling so depressed that he commits suicide. It is ironic how the story started with a case, which is the principal's and teacher's confrontation, and it ended with Paul's thief case.
Epiphany
Paul realises that the theatre is where he belonged. The theatre allowed Paul to feel happiness and get excited enough to dance around. Paul also registers that after going to the theatre, school life seemed dull and boring so much that Paul decides that it's not worth going to. Paul reads on the Pittsburg Papers that his plan has been unfolded and his father is coming to retrieve him; thence, Paul understands that his father was going to punish him. At the end of the trip Paul finds that he is left with only $100 left. During this moment it dawns on Paul that money is the object preventing him from achieving his dream of living a lavish lifestyle.
Static character
Paul's father, Paul's teachers
Conflict
Paul's teacher and principal want to punish Paul for class disruption and terminal lies. Paul then stole money from the a jewellery store and used the money to go to New York City. Paul's father found out about Paul's lies and is going to NYC. Paul got so depressed that he committed suicide by jumping in front of a train.
Symbol
The theatre at Carnegie hall represents the time when Paul is lively and upbeat. The carnations drooping symbolises how depressed he is feeling. Cordelia street signifies a place where everything is gloomy and not to Paul's liking. The wine conveys a way of Paul's problems seemingly disappearing The way the snow falls signifies the way Paul is feeling during that point of the story. When the snow falls gently Paul is feeling calm and happy while the snow falling heavily represents his angry feeling.
