“Paul’s Case” by Willa Cather:
*classic story of a sensitive soul pitted against an uncaring materialistic society, one of
Cather’s major themes
Cather felt the expansive vision of the frontier was stifled by the materialism and
industrialism of the new century. She felt that distorted sense of virtue and smallmindedness squelched the sense of romance and risk characterized by the West. She
praised what she called artistic sensibility and mourned the loss to the world of talented
children who were put down by the small-mindedness. Paul is one of the lost ones.
Lost in a world of fantasy, young working class Paul dreams of escaping his dreary
existence in turn-of-the-century Pittsburgh. As fate would have it, Paul gets his chance
by stealing some money and subsequently running off to glamorous New York City.
Once there, Paul experiences everything he ever dreamed of…from a luxurious hotel
suite to his first taste of champagne. However, when reality finally comes crashing down,
Paul realizes the desperate course he must take.
1. What is distinctive or unusual about Paul’s dress when he comes to the principal’s
meeting? What does this touch suggest about Paul?
2. What is wrong with Paul’s behavior at school? Is he deliberately disruptive or
rude?
3. Where does he go when he skips school? How do the things he sees and
appreciates contrast with the sterility of the school?
4. Why is he late ushering?
5. What is the significance of his fellow usher’s comment: “I ain’t one of them”
referring to the “fine people” Paul enjoys watching? What does Paul’s attitude
foreshadow?
6. How does Paul’s feeling about the music he hears contrast with the attitudes of
some members of the audience?
7. How can you tell that Paul is often caught in a world of fantasy and dreaming?
How is that especially illustrated in his conversations with the actors?
8. Describe the relationship between Paul and his father.
9. What are some of the ways Paul is caught between his love of art and theatre and
the working world in which he must live?
10. How does Paul get to New York City? What things does he do when he gets
there? Why aren’t we surprised by the places he goes?
11. In what ways is Paul out of place in the glamorous city?
12. When and how does Paul realize that reality is catching up with his fantasy life?
13. What is symbolized by the red flowers and the snow? What does Paul finally do?
14. Who is “to blame” for Paul’s “case”? Why?
15. What are the final moments Cather describes and why are they so important to her
attitude toward Paul and his actions?