Paul's Case

Summary

The story starts with Paul in front of a board of his teachers. He is there to answer and maybe explain his inappropriate actions in the classroom. He twitches nervously and gives annoying half-answers. He leaves but does not go home to eat. Instead, he spends the time in a picture gallery until he has to work as an usher. He is slightly late, and dresses in a rush. He is very cordial to all of the patrons, including his teachers. After everyone is seated, he relaxes and drifts away into his own world. When the symphony is over, he loiters outside a hotel for a bit, then goes home. Much description is given to the 'hell' of Paul's home life. He avoids his father, and spends a sleepless night in the cellar. The weekend passes as a nonevent. On Sunday night, Paul leaves the house under the pretenses of meeting his geometry tutor. Instead, he goes to see a theater company rehearse. He is only able to 'be himself' when in the company of actors or musicians. He regards home life as drudgery. He has no desire to stay within the confines of the life his father has planned for him. After some strange behavior at school, including unbelievable lies concerning performers and travel, Paul's father takes away his ability to visit his favorite hangouts. Paul revolts by stealing a few thousand dollars, and taking a train to New York. He has enough money to sleep in a fancy hotel, and to wear custom clothing. Paul is very happy in New York, but the newspapers report that he has been found out. Paul's father is looking for him, and Paul is sure he will be back in hometown hell in no time. Paul makes a decision. Not the revolver, but the locomotive will be his end. He kills himself instead of having to face his father.

Comment

Paul struggles to escape a life he does not want to live. The repetition of stoop sitting and child-rearing does not appeal to him. His entire neighborhood thrives on the monotony of church and dead end jobs. He sees a different world for himself. He wants a world of well trained violinists. He wants a backdrop for his thoughts. If he had more patience, he could have had exactly what he wanted.