Symbolic Analysis on Paul's Case

Cather writes the short story "Paul's Case" in third person omniscient. Cather mainly focuses on Paul's point of view, but the thoughts and feelings of the teachers were very important in understanding Paul. Most people do not see their own faults and habits, so the teachers' point of view was essential. Paul hates his whole life and is extremely depressed about his current situation. Everything that Paul experiences that is beyond his immediate daily life is so heavenly and extraordinarily beautiful to him. None of Paul's teachers care for him or his roguish behavior, but they also express that they don't fully comprehend Paul making them feel a little guilty for being so hard on him. The thoughts Paul had before he died weren't the stereotypical flashes of good memories, he thought about all the things he should have done and wished he had done. Cather shows that life is precious and most people have a hard time appreciating the good things in life until they reach their end. Cather also expresses the horrific regret of committing suicide even in the worst mental states. As Paul enters the faculty room, he tries to deceive the teachers by dressing up for the interrogation just as criminals dress for trial. His clothes were a "trifle outgrown,… his overcoat was frayed and worn," which shows that the suit does not fit him. He symbolizes a past life which he still holds on to. He entered the room "suave and smiling" showing that Paul thinks he looks good in his outfit. The opal pin and the red carnation are Paul's attempts increase his attractiveness and classiness. They distract the teachers from the imperfections on his jacket, which symbolizes the aspect that Paul hates about himself. Throughout the story, Paul is trying to cover up who he really is by lying to his dad, teachers, and the rest of world. Paul thinks lying is "indispensable for overcoming friction." When Paul goes to New York, he feels relieved that he no longer has to lie to anyone because he