Stirling McKelvie
Mrs. Ivey
English IV – AP
10 March 2015
Point of View Essay Written in third-person omniscient point of view, the short story “Paul’s Case” by Willa Cather explores the theme of alienation. Throughout the story, the thoughts and feelings of the characters are expressed. This allows the narrator to reveal the opposition and resentment the other characters feel towards the main character, Paul. Paul also tries to find comfort in Carnegie Hall, a place filled with theatre and music. Because many are critical of Paul, he is left isolated and alone. The viewpoints of teachers, himself, and the members of the stock company correlate the theme of isolation with the omniscient point of view. Notably, the story opens with Paul being criticized and judged by various teachers. In this portion of the story, it is presented through the thoughts and feelings of the educators. “His teachers were asked to state their respective charges against him, which they did with such a rancor and aggrievedness as evinced that …show more content…
“They were hardworking women, most of them supporting indolent husbands or brothers, and they laughed rather bitterly at having stirred the boy to such fervid and floral inventions” (Paragraph 37). This quotation expresses the feelings of disappointment the characters feel towards Paul for making up such frivolous lies. The purpose of his lies were to add to his self-satisfaction. Paul wanted to seem more privileged than others, but consequently made others alienate him more. Consequently, he is not allowed in the theatre again. “…When they had shut him out of the theater and concert hall, when they had taken away his bone, the whole thing was virtually determined” (Paragraph 44). As a result of his dishonesty, he was no longer permitted in the building, creating a more secluded reality for
Mrs. Ivey
English IV – AP
10 March 2015
Point of View Essay Written in third-person omniscient point of view, the short story “Paul’s Case” by Willa Cather explores the theme of alienation. Throughout the story, the thoughts and feelings of the characters are expressed. This allows the narrator to reveal the opposition and resentment the other characters feel towards the main character, Paul. Paul also tries to find comfort in Carnegie Hall, a place filled with theatre and music. Because many are critical of Paul, he is left isolated and alone. The viewpoints of teachers, himself, and the members of the stock company correlate the theme of isolation with the omniscient point of view. Notably, the story opens with Paul being criticized and judged by various teachers. In this portion of the story, it is presented through the thoughts and feelings of the educators. “His teachers were asked to state their respective charges against him, which they did with such a rancor and aggrievedness as evinced that …show more content…
“They were hardworking women, most of them supporting indolent husbands or brothers, and they laughed rather bitterly at having stirred the boy to such fervid and floral inventions” (Paragraph 37). This quotation expresses the feelings of disappointment the characters feel towards Paul for making up such frivolous lies. The purpose of his lies were to add to his self-satisfaction. Paul wanted to seem more privileged than others, but consequently made others alienate him more. Consequently, he is not allowed in the theatre again. “…When they had shut him out of the theater and concert hall, when they had taken away his bone, the whole thing was virtually determined” (Paragraph 44). As a result of his dishonesty, he was no longer permitted in the building, creating a more secluded reality for