An overview of Willa Cather’s story about Paul’s identity struggle.
Willa Cather demonstrates the conflict between individuality and conformity with her short story, Paul’s Case. The paper shows that, on the one hand, conformity is oppressive and stifling and does not permit a young boy to express his individuality. For Paul, the only way to escape that oppressive life is to lie and steal. The paper shows, however, that his lies serve only to isolate him more, contributing to his depression, isolation, and feelings of not fitting in.
To prevent himself from drowning in conformity, Paul adapts a defiant attitude toward his parents and teachers, which eventually leads to his suspension and forced move to New York to work for the stock company. When he arrives in the Big Apple, Paul begins to fully recognize the omnipotence of wealth, (12). His realization of the primacy of money in survival and independence leads him to steal from the company he works for. His independent life in New York enlightens Paul, and he confronts his deep-seated fears and apprehensions about life.