Understanding art requires understanding the artist behind it, and what motivated them to create it. Willa Cather’s “Paul’s Case” is a short story that features a complex and unique character. This gives us a glimpse into his complexity. In order to analyze Paul, it is important to understand Cather’s purpose and personality in creating him. The storyline of “Paul’s Case,” was not created with the intention of telling a story that would be lighthearted and enjoyable. Instead, it is an immaculate depiction of a character and case that are forced to express themselves under the pressures that come with a culture that rejects people with homosexual tendencies. Marilee Lindemann argues that Cather’s fiction was marked by medical discourses and legal doctrines that pathologize nonprocreative sex. Instead of being challenged or subverted, they are enforced brutally, often by those who suffer the most. Cather didn’t write “Paul’s Case”, because she wanted to escape from her own struggles. She used writing as a way to express herself. Paul is not the stereotypical man. He’s not into sports or chasing girls, but his main interest is fashion. Paul shares a change room with half a dozen other boys. Paul, unlike most teenage boys in the changing room, “was always excited when getting dressed… he teased and tortured the boys until telling him he was insane, they sat on his back and told him he was a lunatic” (Cather). Paul’s overt femininity is contrary to what society expects and values. Cather was no exception to this phenomenon. She “dressed like a boy and cut her hair in a way that resembled a man” (Rose). Understanding Cather will only help you to understand Paul. Paul’s character is more than just his physical appearance. Cather’s choice of setting and story that surrounds him provide an insight into Paul. Paul’s Case’s climax gives us a clear understanding of Paul’s story and Cather’s contribution. Paul finally removes the wilted rose that has represented his resilience through the entire novel. Cather says that despite their mockery of the winter outside, they only had one glorious breath. The “one glorious breath” of flowers is a parallel to the trials that Paul endured in order to live the life he believed he deserved. His spirit died after his last breath, when “all of the world was Cordelia Street”. Paul lies down on the train tracks. He chose to not shoot himself, instead jumping in front the train. These are two very important actions. Paul wants an escape, to feel hope, and to realize that he does not have to follow his instincts. He must die because the society will not let him thrive and live. He does not shoot himself. Instead, a train is the one that kills him. His death is not his fault, but society’s. Cather’s thoughts are necessary to understand Paul’s thinking. She did nothing to resolve Paul’s story from a political or social perspective. Cather does not believe in a happy ending. Instead, she believes that there can be no acceptance of homosexuals or understanding by a society who is openly hostile to them. Cather knows that this rebellion against the homilies of the world will be a loss in the end. Paul is an extremely complex character. Analyzing him can be very difficult. In order to grasp Paul’s character, you must look beyond the words. You need to touch the author. The artist’s struggle is essential to understanding their art. Lindemann Marilee. An exploration of the ways in which Willa Cather queered American literature. New York: Published by Columbia University Press in 1893. Print. Cather, Willa. Willa cather. Jalic Inc. 2000. Web. 25 Sept. 2012. . Rose, Phyllis. The New York Times, 11 September 1983. Web.
.
