Print
Word
PDF|
This section contains 782 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) |
|
The Individual Vs. Society in the Early 20th Century
Summary: Willa Cather's story "Paul's Case" depicts a young man in a constant battle to maintain his individuality in the wake of society's efforts to make him conform to its priorities, a conflict emblematic of the early twentieth century. Represented in this case by Paul's father, his teachers, and the neighborhood in which he lives, society tries to take away Paul's love of the arts, which serve as his solace. Society succeeds when Paul gives up on his passions and his individuality by committing suicide.
The early 20th century was a time of great change and turmoil. It was the time of World War I, the Roaring `20's, the Depression. In this time, the identity and passions of the individual were squashed by society and forced to conform to its values. This conflict between individual and society and is shown in "Paul's Case" by Willa Cather in the struggle between Paul and his father, teachers and neighborhood. The result of this struggle is Paul giving up on his passions and then killing himself.
Paul finds shelter in his passions: the theater, the visual arts, concerts and style. He goes through some pretty drastic measures to keep his passions. He tries very hard not to conform to society's ways. When one of his teachers holds his hand, trying to teach him how to write he: "started back with a shudder and thrust his hands...
|
This section contains 782 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) |
|
