Paul\'s Case and Araby

PAUL'S CASE AND ARABY

Character Analysis

Paul's Case and Araby

In the short stories titled Paul's Case and Araby, both talk about the challenges that Paul and the young boy faces in the world around them. This is showing how different events and perceptions influence the way others see them and the opinions of themselves. These themes are designed to illustrate those factors that are affecting their attitudes, actions and behaviors. To fully understand what is happening requires conducting a detailed character analysis of Paul and the young boy. Together, these elements will illustrate how this is influencing the two characters and the lasting effects these concepts are having on them.

A character analysis of Paul in Paul's case

Paul is someone who has problems with authority. In Paul's Case, this is used to demonstrate his issues with authority figures and the way this holds him back. Throughout the entire work, this creates a conflict within him. As he feels like expressing himself and showing others that he is truly a good person. Yet, the negative attitudes and perceptions will continually stand in the way of anything he achieves. (Willa, 2009)

These perceptions become even more twisted when Paul shifts his views about others who are directly involved in the art world. In this situation, he has respect for these people and what they are trying to accomplish. This is because Paul is able to escape from this reality and go to a place he finds very enjoyable. The result is that he goes through periods where he is delusional. After he moves to New York City, is when these forces collide. This is takes place with Paul stealing money from an employer and living the lavish lifestyle he always envisioned for himself. During this process, he visits art museums and is mesmerized by the various works he sees. This adds to the sense of escape and denying what is really happening. After the money starts to run out, is the point that Paul realizes he is wanted by the police for what he did. His father pays back the money and goes to New York to find Paul. Only this time, Paul has disappeared and is continuing to live in this alternate reality. In this case, Paul is someone who has negative perceptions of himself. This has caused him to see the world pessimistically and engage in actions that are illegal to support these views. These insights have led to Paul becoming more disconnected and anti-social. (Willa, 2009)

A character analysis of the young boy in Araby.

In Araby, the young boy is having self-perception issues. This is taking place with him wanting to take out a beautiful girl to the upcoming dance. She agrees to go with him and he says that he will meet her at the event and wants to buy her something. However, when the night arrives he is forced to wait for his father to return home. He comes back late after spending several hours at the pub. His father gives the young boy the money he needs. Once he arrives at the event, he realizes that everything is shutting down for the evening and how he missed the girl. This frustrates and destroys his self-esteem. As he feels like the woman is an escape and there was nothing he could do to control these circumstances. In this case, the boy has perceptions about the world around him and what he wants to do with his life. The girl and the dance were his chance to escape from a place where he does not shape the outcome events. This is the opportunity he has been waiting for and wants to take advantage of it. The problem is that his father returns home late and will only provide him with the money he needs when everything is over. This adds to his sense of frustration and anger. (Mulrooney, 1998)