Paul's Case
Point of View
Evidence
The point of view is omniscient third-person, which enables the reader to see the thoughts of the main characters.
Commentary
This point of view allows the author to switch who they're focusing on. At the begining of the story the point of view is from the teachers but it then switches to Paul's point of view.
Characterization
Evidence
Paul is a very dynamic and round character. He progresses as the story goes on. Paul really feels the need for acceptance and lies to feel accepted. The only place Paul feels accepted is at Carnegie Hall.
Commentary
The reader really gets to see Paul's character when the narration changes. Seeing Paul's character first hand makes the reader feel sorry for Paul because all he wants to do is feel accepted, a feeling everyone shares.
Setting
Evidence
The setting changes throughout the story. It is set in the early 1900's in Pittsburgh, New Jersey, and New York City.
Commentary
The constant change in setting shows how much Paul derires to be accepted. He switches from place to place hoping he meets someone or comes across somewhere where he feels the acceptance he desires.
Symbolism
Evidence
The main symbol of the story is the red carnations Paul wears. The carnations represent Paul and his behavior.
Commentary
The carnation stands for Paul. At the beginning of the story it represents his defiance. When he buries it at the end of the story it is a symbol of Paul's suicide.
Theme
Evidence
The main theme in the story is the alienation of Paul. He is so different from everybody else but feels the need to be accepted.
Commentary
Paul alienates himself from others through the way he behaves. This alienation is the cause of all of Paul's problems and is why he has such trouble fitting in.
Assertion
Throughout the story Paul feels the need to escape his real life. He does this by either telling lies to impress others, observing art, or imagining what could have happened. This results in a tough life for Paul eventually ending with suicide.
Citations
Works Cited Bits4beats. Statue of Liberty. Digital image. Pixabay. N.p., 31 Mar. 2011. Web. 7 Feb. 2013. Carnegie Hall. Digital image. Carnegie Hall. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2013. Hans. Marigold Marigolds Turkish Carnation Dead Flower. Digital image. Pixabay. N.p., 17 Aug. 2011. Web. 7 Feb. 2013. Iqoncept. Outcast - Loner Rejected by Clique Group Is Sad. Digital image. Deposit Photos. N.p., 3 June 2011. Web. 7 Feb. 2013. Nemo. Chat Shapes Thought round Free Dialog Shape. Digital image. Pixabay. N.p., 6 Apr. 2012. Web. 7 Feb. 2013.