Premium Essay

Literary Analysis Of Paul's Case

Submitted By
Words 1298
Pages 6
Literary Analysis of “Paul’s Case”: by Willa Cather Paul, the protagonist, suffers from a common problem that all adolescents have experienced at one time or another past or present that of being different from their peers and not feeling like they have been dealt a fair hand in life. “They made for him a part of the ugliness of the world, of the ache in head, and the bitter burning on his tongue” (Cather, par. 63). Paul’s failure to conform results in a flair of individuality that alienates him from the outside world in Willa Cather’s “Paul’s Case: A Study in Temperament” and the film of the same name directed by Lamont Johnson. Paul’s inability to conform to the expectations of his environment lead to a tortured climax in this story …show more content…
As a dreamer, Paul never felt that he belonged in such an expressionless place of learning as school being instructed by dullards and found great happiness at Carnegie Hall through the creativity and the excitement of theater and symphonies. Paul was able to be his creative, artsy, dream laden loner self when he would visit the art gallery prior to working at Carnegie Hall as an usher. Paul “was delighted to find no one in the gallery but the old guard” (Cather, par. 11). Paul was able to enjoy the arts and dream of his far off destinations of wealth and splendor without having to give faulty and elaborate explanations to those around him in his daily life. New York City is Paul’s pinnacle of status, wealth and glamour his ultimate dream destination. His fantasy comes true as he buys new clothes, stays at the Waldorf and takes in all that upper class amenities that he would never experience in Pittsburgh. The final setting is a lonely patch of woods and countryside along the train tracks, as Paul is forced to leave New York City due to his funds running out and the inevitable search by his father and obvious return to Cordelia Street and this subservient lifestyle he despises. The imagery created by this scene in Johnson’s film version of Paul’s …show more content…
The flowers demonstrate status, contempt, attitude, expression and life itself. In a sense, Paul himself is a flower, who is trying to be reborn into the status in society where he belongs with glamour and wealth and acceptance. In the very beginning of the story we are introduced to an out of place “red carnation in the buttonhole”. (Cather, par. 1) This shows a direct lack of respect and contempt for his inept teachers. The carnation is a symbolic representation of Pauls’ attitude and swagger that conveys an air of irreverence to the teachers and what they have to say. Paul is his own person, the master of his own domain, and the teachers realize that they may or not be part of his plans or even his thoughts. Paul is a dreamer, a romantic always looking for beauty and creativity and a fairy tale lifestyle away from his misery on Cordelia Street. Flowers throughout literature are a symbol of life and rebirth. Cather masterfully uses multiple descriptive images of flowers to show the delicate balance of Paul’s real life and his imagined lifestyle. “Red Glass Pitcher, ornamented with blue forget-me-nots in blue enamel”. (Cather, par. (23) As Paul is in New York City, it is mentioned “somehow vastly more lovely and alluring that they blossomed thus unnaturally in the snow” (Cather, par. 47). The irony in this

Similar Documents

Free Essay

English Literature

...Directions for Essay Two Step One: Understand the Assignment Before writing the essay, read the following documents in “Resources for Writing Assignments” in the course Content:       How to Write a Literary Analysis Instructions for Doing Research Rubric for Grading Essays Guidelines for Using MLA Style Example of a Works Cited Page Sample Student Essays A Word of Caution: if you do not read/ understand the documents listed above, you will not fully understand the assignment and may not make a passing grade. Many of you did not read all of these instructions for Paper One. Step Two: Understand the Requirements (see Rubric for Grading Essays) Each Essay is required to have/contain the following:  3 – 4 typed pages, not counting Works Cited page  Times New Roman, 12 point font  A Works Cited page, even if only a primary source is used  A critical argument, a thesis, based on one of the questions provided (see questions in Step Three)  Essay’s thesis is supported with quotes/examples from the primary source; remember to always introduce quotes and then explain them after you have correctly cited them. Put your quotes into context for the reader.  Essay’s thesis is supported with at least one secondary source – more than one source is not required, but strongly encouraged. However, do NOT use unreliable online sources, such as Wikipedia or Sparknotes  Logical organization that flows, using clear transitions between sentences and paragraphs  Grammatically/mechanically...

Words: 1569 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

The Signs Of Depression In Paul's Case

...The Signs of Depression Through the Context of Cather’s “Paul’s Case” The inability to conform to society might very well be detrimental to an individual’s wellbeing. Cather’s “Paul’s Case” focuses on a teenage boy with many issues, who involves himself in felonious actions of thievery as an escape from his morbid life in Pittsburg. The unusual behavior of young Paul coupled with his distaste for his living conditions leads him to run away from Pittsburg, only to commit suicide after being caught. Through Cather’s descriptions of Paul‟s temperament, readers are left to wonder “What is Paul’s case?” Although some literary critics view Paul’s rebellious behavior as an indication of other temperaments such as repression of homosexuality, Cather stabilizes Paul’s case as one of a deeply depressed nature....

Words: 1566 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Romans 3:21-26

...March 8, 2015 Table of Contents Introduction…………………………..…………………………………..……………..…………3 Context Historical-Cultural Context…….…..…………………….………………………………..3 Literary Context …………..……………………….……...………………………………4 Analysis of Text Rom. 3:21-24………………………………………………………………..…………….5 Rom. 3:25-26 ......................................................................................................................9 Application. ……………………………………………………………………………...………12 Conclusion. …………………………………………………….....…………………………..…13 Bibliography……………………...…………………………………….…………………...…...14 Appendix A: Block Diagram. ……………………………………………....…………………...16 Introduction “The world is not perfect, and many people are not able to spend the years required to learn Greek properly, even those who have a seminary education.” This exegetical paper will incorporate the use of Greek tools in applying an exegetical method; namely hermeneutics. By comparing three Bible translations; examining the literary context; applying word studies; analyzing historical, grammar, outlining, and theology, coupled with and evaluation of the interpretations of scholars regarding the significance of textual criticism, the exegete will employ the results for correct modern-day application of Romans 3:21-26. The analysis of the passage to obtain a textual interpretation of Paul’s letter to the Romans will result in a more literal understanding of the original intent and clarify the author’s reasoning for sending a letter to the congregation...

Words: 4111 - Pages: 17

Free Essay

The Text-Critical Problem of 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and the Evidences of Its Origin

...understanding that 1 Cor. 14:34-35 is an interpolation. Based on this affirmation, chapter one investigates both the meaning of vv. 34-35 within the context of Paul’s first extant letter to the Corinthians, and the original message of chapter fourteen without vv. 34-35. Chapter one also offers the most compelling reasons why a scribe would choose chapter fourteen as the place to insert an interpolation against women’s speech in the church. Finally, I examine the parallels between 1 Cor. 14:34-35 and 1 Tim. 2:9-15. Chapter two summarizes the argument that 1 Cor. 14:34-35 is an interpolation. In this chapter, first I investigate the issue of interpolation in ancient literature. Then, I present the arguments based on internal evidences that are both for and against the interpolation of 1 Cor. 14:34-35. Next, I provide a section on external evidences supporting a case of interpolation of vv. 34-35. In this final section we will investigate scribal awareness of multiple readings in Codex Vaticanus, Fuldensis and Ms. 88, which can be observed in some sigla left by the copyists of these texts. Chapter three examines the identity of the author(s) and the date of composition for both the interpolation in Corinthians and the Pastoral Epistles. Chapter three provides a survey on the role of women in the churches under Paul’s personal supervision. It also examines the ancient view of the role of women in the Greco-Roman society and how it impacted the deutero-Pauline understanding...

Words: 42363 - Pages: 170

Premium Essay

Forgiveness

...said, “I will never let another man ruin my life by making me hate him.” It all comes down to our attitude. Romans 12:14 (NLT) talks about attitude and how we need to act towards people who treat us wrong. “Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them”. Why is this easier said than done? Human nature we want payback or at least what we think is payback even if it is irrational. In Romans 12:14-21, Paul is reminding us to not allow ourselves to be consumed with revenge/payback. Instead give it over to God and allow him to pass judgment. R. C. H. Lenski quotes, “God has long ago settled the whole matter about exacting justice from wrongdoers. Not one of them will escape. Perfect justice will be done in every case and will be done...

Words: 2913 - Pages: 12

Free Essay

Intercessory Prayer

...BIBLE STUDY METHODS OUTLINE OF CONTENTS Section Page OUTLINE OF CONTENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 I. OBSERVATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 A. B. C. D. II. Observe the Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Observe the Structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Observe the Literary Form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Observe the Atmosphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 INTERPRETATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 A. B. C. Ask Interpretive Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Give Interpretive Answers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Integrate and Summarize Conclusions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 III. APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 A. B. C. D. Know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Relate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....

Words: 6246 - Pages: 25

Premium Essay

Essay

...A Guide to Writing the Literary Analysis Essay I. INTRODUCTION: the first paragraph in your essay. It begins creatively in order to catch your reader’s interest, provides essential background about the literary work, and prepares the reader for your major thesis. The introduction must include the author and title of the work as well as an explanation of the theme to be discussed. Other essential background may include setting, an introduction of main characters, etc. The major thesis goes in this paragraph usually at the end. Because the major thesis sometimes sounds tacked on, make special attempts to link it to the sentence that precedes it by building on a key word or idea. A) Creative Opening/Hook: the beginning sentences of the introduction that catch the reader’s interest. Ways of beginning creatively include the following: 1) A startling fact or bit of information  Example: Nearly two hundred citizens were arrested as witches during the Salem witch scare of 1692. Eventually nineteen were hanged, and another was pressed to death (Marks 65). 2) A snatch of dialogue between two characters  Example: “It is another thing. You [Frederic Henry] cannot know about it unless you have it.” “ Well,” I said. “If I ever get it I will tell you [priest].” (Hemingway 72). With these words, the priest in Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms sends the hero, Frederic, in search of the ambiguous “it” in his life. 3) A meaningful quotation (from the book you are analyzing...

Words: 2671 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Biblical Language

...Ronnie Spears Dr. Tolokun Omokunde NTS403, Introduction to Biblical Languages July 7, 2014 Final Exam Ronnie Spears Dr. Tolokun Omokunde Introduction to Biblical Languages May 30, 2014 Week 2 Reflection Paper “Off the Shelf and into Yourself” In this modern time of electronic explosion, using the right tools to properly exegesis the word of God is crucial. Not eliminating the bible as the concrete foundation of our Christian knowledge but allowing other resources to become windows in our biblical mansion. The author Mr. Black is sharing with us the necessity of having the right tools to properly make application of the word of God. Greek is the language used by the Gentiles in the New Testament and to adequately teach or preached the New Testament scriptures one need understand Greek translations. There are tools to assist in understanding Greek and we must take advantage of them just like a mechanic always update their tools according to modernization of cars. Paul writes to Timothy and states “to study to show ourselves approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”, (II Tim. 2:15). The author recommends ten essential tools in using and understanding Greek in ministry, which six of those tools will be discussed in this assignment. Let me establish that all of the tools are essential although I am discussing only six. The first tool is an English bible, whether the King James, (which is the recommended...

Words: 2960 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Exegetical Paper on James 2:18-26

...Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary An Exegetical Paper of James 2:18-26 Submitted to Professor Dr. Steve Waechter In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Course “Greek Language Tools” – NGRK505 By Steven B. Darden Burleson, TX March 8, 2015 Contents Introduction 4 Context 5 Historical-Cultural Context 5 Literary Context 6 Analysis of Text 7 James 2:18-19: Objections to False Faith 7 James 2:20-24: Examples of Faith 9 Verses 2:25-26: Rahab 11 Conclusion 11 Appendix A: Block Diagram of James 2:18-26 Using the ESV Bible 13 Introduction Throughout the history of the Bible, few words have had more controversy than the words, faith, works, and justification. James’ uses a powerful interrogative to pose the rhetorical question about helping those in need. However, James’ apparent statement concerning these acts has led many to argue that “good works” equals “faith”. Paul expounds on the belief that justification is produced solely by faith in Jesus Christ. James makes a statement in 2:16-26 that many people believe rationalizes faith as equal with good deeds. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the context and to provide a thorough exegesis of the passage of scripture located in James 2:16-26. James’s use a type of koine Greek that indicates an educated writer with a greater than average familiarity with the language of that era’s culture. While doubtful a scholar, the writer of James, none the less, describes a faith...

Words: 3118 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Bib 105

...Bibl 104 Quiz 1 Question 1 3 out of 3 points According to the readings the Old Testament canon was completed after the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. Answer Selected Answer: True Question 2 3 out of 3 points According to Fee and Stuart's analysis God is the hero of all biblical narratives. Answer Selected Answer: True Question 3 3 out of 3 points What percentage of the literary genre in the Old Testament is narrative? Answer Selected Answer: 40% Question 4 0 out of 3 points The two types of 'context' Fee and Stuart discussed in this week's reading were… Answer Selected Answer: present and past Question 5 3 out of 3 points In our readings this week the Bible is described in part as, "the Word of God given in human words in history". Answer Selected Answer: True Question 6 0 out of 3 points The focus of the ___________ is on Jesus and his claim to be the Messiah. Answer Selected Answer: All of the above Question 7 0 out of 3 points "To interpret properly the "then and there" of the biblical texts you need to" Answer Selected Answer: both a and c Question 8 3 out of 3 points What is the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls? Answer Selected Answer: They gave us a much older collection of Old Testament manuscripts. Question 9 3 out of 3 points At the end of Old Testament narratives we are always told whether the events spoken of were "good or bad". We are not expected to be able to judge for ourselves based upon...

Words: 4589 - Pages: 19

Premium Essay

The Bible: Revelation and Authortiy

...returning to the position that I now hold, I am convinced that this issue is basic to all other issues in the church. The destiny of our church depends on how its members regard the revelation and authority of the Bible. In the following pages I have summarized the biblical self-testimony on its revelation and authority. The major focus of the paper is biblical authority, but a short statement concerning revelation-inspiration-illumination introduces the subject, and other biblical testimony on the nature of revelation is subsumed under the discussion of biblical authority. The paper also includes a brief historical treatment of the Enlightenment and post-Enlightenment understandings of biblical revelation/authority and an analysis and critique of their basic presuppositions in light of Scripture. Following the conclusion, a selected bibliography of sources cited and other useful books and articles on the subject is provided. Appendices include: (1) a chart schematizing the two major modern approaches to the Bible's revelation and authority (Appendix I, A-D); (2) some of Ellen White's insights on biblical revelation/authority (Appendix I, E); (3) the Methods of Bible Study Committee statement on the historical-critical method (Appendix I, F); and (4) a...

Words: 13573 - Pages: 55

Free Essay

Case Study 7

...Scripture and then returning to the position that I now hold, I am convinced that this issue is basic to all other issues in the church. The destiny of our church depends on how its members regard the revelation and authority of the Bible. In the following pages I have summarized the biblical self-testimony on its revelation and authority. The major focus of the paper is biblical authority, but a short statement concerning revelation-inspiration-illumination introduces the subject, and other biblical testimony on the nature of revelation is subsumed under the discussion of biblical authority. The paper also includes a brief historical treatment of the Enlightenment and post-Enlightenment understandings of biblical revelation/authority and an analysis and critique of their basic presuppositions in light of Scripture. Following the conclusion, a selected bibliography of sources cited and other useful books and articles on the subject is provided. Appendices include: (1) a chart schematizing the two major modern approaches to the Bible's revelation and authority (Appendix I, A-D); (2) some of Ellen White's insights on biblical revelation/authority (Appendix I, E); (3) the Methods of Bible Study Committee statement on the historical-critical method (Appendix I, F); and (4) a compilation of Ellen White references to "higher criticism" (Appendix II). A. Revelation-Inspiration-Illumination:...

Words: 13041 - Pages: 53

Free Essay

Miaws

...A TEACHER’S GUIDE TO THE SIGNET CLASSICS EDITION OF G EORG E B E R N A R D S HAW ’S PYGMALION By LAURA REIS MAYER BUNCOMBE COUNTY SCHOOLS, ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA S E R I E S E D I T O R S JEANNE M. MCGLINN, Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Asheville and W. GEIGER ELLIS, Ed.D., University of Georgia, Professor Emeritus 2 A Teacher’s Guide to the Signet Classics Edition of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion TABLE OF CONTENTS An Introduction .......................................................................................3 Synopsis of the Play .................................................................................3 Prereading Activities .................................................................................6 During Reading Activities ......................................................................13 After Reading Activities .........................................................................21 About the Author of this Guide .............................................................29 About the Editors of this Guide .............................................................29 Full List of Free Teacher's Guides...........................................................30 Click on a Classic ..................................................................................31 Copyright © 2007 by Penguin Group (USA) For additional teacher’s manuals, catalogs, or descriptive brochures, please email academic@penguin.com or write...

Words: 11837 - Pages: 48

Premium Essay

The Masque of the Red Death

...In Aesop’s fable, “The Wolf and the Lamb,” the moral of the story asks the reader to examine the desire for an object—and how we justify our behavior if we cannot obtain that object. This moral is graphically presented through the repeated use of key words to describe the fox’s repeated failure to get what he wants. The fox’s first attempt is foiled as he “just missed” the grapes (35). He attempts “again and again”, running and jumping repeatedly, but has “no greater success” (35). He then becomes disgusted and walks away. These successive descriptions of his failure build to his disdainful comment that the grapes are probably sour (35). The repeated demonstration of fox’s failures and his self-rationalization of why is he walking away—not that he has failed but because he has decided that the grapes are sour and he does not want them anyway—cleverly portrays the moral of the fable: if you can’t get it, blame something else, not yourself. It therefore asks the readers to Aesop’s Fables 3 of 93 The Wolf and the Lamb Once upon a time a Wolf was lapping at a spring on a hillside, when, looking up, what should he see but a Lamb just beginning to drink a little lower down. ‘There’s my supper,’ thought he, ‘if only I can find some excuse to seize it.’ Then he called out to the Lamb, ‘How dare you muddle the water from which I am drinking?’ ‘Nay, master, nay,’ said Lambikin; ‘if the water be muddy up there, I cannot be the cause of it, for it runs down from you to me.’ ‘Well...

Words: 2065 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Microsoft Word

...Myth and Scripture resources for Biblical Study Susan ackerman, Old testament/hebrew Bible editor number 78 Myth and Scripture conteMporary perSpectiveS on religion, language, and iMagination Edited by dexter e. callender Jr. SBl press atlanta copyright © 2014 by SBl press all rights reserved. no part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by means of any information storage or retrieval system, except as may be expressly permitted by the 1976 copyright act or in writing from the publisher. requests for permission should be addressed in writing to the rights and permissions office, Society of Biblical literature, 825 houston Mill road, atlanta, ga 30329 uSa. library of congress cataloging-in-publication data Myth and scripture : contemporary perspectives on religion, language, and imagination / Dexter E. Callender, Jr., editor. p. cm. — (Society of Biblical literature resources for biblical study ; number 78) includes bibliographical references and index. iSBn 978-1-58983-961-8 (paper binding : alk. paper) — iSBn 978-1-58983-962-5 (electronic format) — iSBn 978-1-58983-963-2 (hardcover binding : alk. paper) 1. Myth in the Bible. 2. Bible. old testament—criticism, interpretation, etc. i. callender, dexter e., 1962– editor of compilation. ii. callender, dexter e., 1962– author. Myth and Scripture : dissonance and convergence.. BS520.5.M98 2014 220.6'8—dc23 2014002897...

Words: 5482 - Pages: 22