Paul's Case Literary Analysis
Point of View
The point of view in this short story is omniscient third-person. I originally thought it was limited view because the majority of the story stayed with Paul, but the view also shifted to the teachers showing that it was omniscient and not limited. The picture shows the city from a sky high view allowing you to see everything, which is what third-person omniscient view does. It allows you to see and hear everything that is going on in the story.
Minderhoud, Yordy. Sunshine City Observatory View. Digital image. Fotopedia. N.p., 2 Sept. 2010. Web. 13 Feb. 2013.
Characterization
Paul is characterized as a worldly, conceited, and a pathological liar. This is shown while Paul is in the school setting and all of the other children recognize him as a liar. Paul loves money and anything to do with items that hold significant monetary value. The picture of money exemplifies his passion for monetary value.
Elena, Ryabitskaya. Money. Digital image. Shutterstock. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb. 2013.
Setting
The setting of this short story starts off with Paul being in Pittsburgh. This is where he grew up and attends school, and because he gets into trouble a lot, he faces expulsion. Paul then goes to various places including a job he doesn't want and New York. The picture of Pittsburgh represents his hometown and where he grew up and where the story starts off.
Sabakka, Sakeeb. Pittsburgh. Digital image. Fotopedia. N.p., 24 Sept. 2010. Web. 13 Feb. 2013.
Symbolism
Symbolism elucidates the theme of "Paul's Case" because Paul values physical possessions over anything in the world, and these possessions symbolize his happiness. The red carnation is a symbol that represents his defiance against authority. This is shown when Paul is having a meeting with his teachers and principal, and the red carnation is in full bloom symbolizing how his defiance is in full bloom.
DeMeres, James. Red Carnations Flowers Fragrant Perennial. Digital image. Pixabay. N.p., 29 Dec. 2012. Web. 13 Feb. 2013.
Theme
The theme of this short story is that treasuring worldly possessions will attain nothing when it really counts. Paul desired to have what the rich people of New York had. The picture of the Mona Lisa expresses the love that Paul had for beautiful worldly things, but it was something he was never meant to have.
WikiImages. Mona Lisa Painting Art Oil Painting Artwork. Digital image. Pixabay. N.p., 3 Jan. 2013. Web. 13 Feb. 2013.