Paul's Case Literary Analysis
Tianara Eddy
Point of View
The point of view in Paul's Case is omniscient. The brain picture represents the omniscient point of view because the narrator is all knowing; they can see and hear everything and knows what the characters are feeling. This allows us to see and hear what is going on throughout the story with Paul and know what he is thinking at different times in the different situations that he is in. This contributes to the theme because we are able to know what Paul feels, what the other characters feel, and what they are doing and that really helps one know every aspect of what is going on.
Characterization
Paul is very much obsessed with money and the luxurious life style and living it. He wants to have that life but does not want to work to get it. He alienates himself from others, like those at school, with his lies and trying to be someone that he is just not. His character and obsession with money and luxury contribute to the theme because of what they really do Paul. His characteristics really are what cause him to do the things he does and eventually lead to his suicide, because in the end they are just not enough. The money bags represent Paul's character because of his obsession with and desire of money and the good life.
Setting
There are many settings throughout Paul's Case. The different settings show Paul at different times of his life. The picture of New York City represents the setting because New York is really where Paul tried to live out his fantasy and where it all ended for him. That is also how the different settings contributed to the theme. Paul used different places to portray himself as someone he was not and in the end it really ruined him.
Symbolism
The red carnation symbolizes Paul and who he is as a character. The red carnation is seen throughout the story with Paul and the different situations that he is in. At the end, Paul buries a carnation before killing himself, foreshadowing his suicide. The red carnation contributes to the theme because of its representation of Paul.
Theme
All throughout, Paul wanted a life that he did not have and trying to live that life caused him to miss his own life as it passed him by, like the train passed him as he ended his life. The train picture represents that train that passed him and ultimately ended Paul.
Assertion
Sometimes the glamourous life and the obsession with living it can ruinĀ people and cause them to lose themselves and not realize it until it is too late to turn their lives back around.
Works Cited
Carnegie Hall. Digital image. Liberty Harbor RV. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2013.Nemo. Brain Human Brain Science Biology Thinking. Digital image. Pixabay. N.p., 28 Apr. 2012. Web. 7 Feb. 2013.Nemo. Red Flower Flowers Cartoon Plant Garden Carnation. Digital image. Pixabay. N.p., 13 Apr. 2012. Web. 7 Feb. 2013. Nemo. Sign Stack Cartoon Signs Money Notes Bags Free. Digital image. Pixabay. N.p., 13 Apr. 2012. Web. 7 Feb. 2013. Newman, Rob. High Speed Train Leaving Chacewater, 1981. Digital image. Geograph. N.p., 29 Oct. 2011. Web. 7 Feb. 2013.