Lecture about "Paul's Case" by Willa Cather.

1. The Case With Paul
Unit Topic: “Paul’s Case” by Willa Cather
Possible Class/Grade Level: English 11-12
Michelle Mendoza

2. Objectives & Standards
OBJ: Students will be able to analyze the symbolic nature of the reading and express one’s own
thoughts and ideas in writing with supportive evidence. Students will also be able to participate in
high-level discussions.
Reading Standards for grade 12:
Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text sats explicitly
as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves
matters uncertain
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including
figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze how an author uses and refines
the meaning of a key term or terms over the course of a text.

3. Objectives & Standards
Writing Standards for grade 12:
Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning
and relevant and sufficient evidence.
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate
to task, purpose, and audience.
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
Speaking and Listening Standards for grade 12:
Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups,
and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11-12 topics, texts, and issues, building on
other’s ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, assessing the
stance, premises, links among ideas, word choice, points of emphasis, and tone used.

4. Objectives & Standards
Language Standards for grade 12:
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and
usage when writing or speaking.
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization,
punctuation, and spelling when writing.
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and
nuances in word meanings.
Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and
phrases, sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college
and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering
vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to
comprehension or expression.

5. What led Paul to his
choice?
Could this have been
prevented?
Questions to Think About
*Scene from short film Paul’s Case

6. What is a short story?
~1.000-20,000 words
Started in the 1830s
Complete works of fiction
Devices: character,
setting, plot, conflict, &
theme
*Information from https://americanliterature.com/all-about-the-
short-story

7. About The Author
Willa Cather
Lived from 1837 - 1947
Attended University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Taught high school English & focused on her
writing
Author of 20 books
1944 was awarded gold medal in fiction by the
National Institute of Arts and Letters
“Willa Cather.” poets.org. https://poets.org/poet/willa-cather

8. Characters
Protagonist:
Paul - Materialistic, Idealistic, beliefs his better than everyone else, stuck between
wanting acceptance & superiority
Minor:
Paul's father - Unnamed, 2 views one from Paul and the other from Cather &
searched for Paul
Charley Edwards - Young actor & allows Paul to hangout back stage
The Soprano, The Drawing Master, The English Teacher, The Principal, The Young
Clerk & The Yale Student

9. Setting
Pittsburgh - Paul’s hometown
New York - Paul’s lavish living
*Cropped Image of "New York" by Michel MARIE

10. Plot Chart
Characters: Paul, Paul’s father, Principal, English
Teacher
Setting: Pittsburgh, High School
Event #1:
Event #2:
Climax:
Falling Action:
Resolution:
Fill in the Chart!

11. Narcissistic vs. Histrionic
• Excessive reference to other people to regulate
self-esteem; this often includes comparing
oneself very favorably to others
• Need for approval from others
• Difficulty recognizing the feelings or needs of
other people, unless they pertain to oneself
• Superficial relationships that primarily help
the person get ahead or receive praise
• Discomfort not being the center of attention
• Inappropriate flirtatious, seductive, or
provocative behavior
• Shallow and volatile emotions
• Dressing in a manner that draws attention,
such as wearing low-cut tops or short skirts

12. Continued
• Grandiosity, or feelings of entitlement
• Attention seeking, which may include attempts
to receive admiration or respect from others
• Self-centeredness
• A firmly held belief that one is better than others
• Overly impressionistic and shallow speech
• Excessive emotionality and theatrical style
• Highly suggestible to others’ ideas, such as
quickly adopting fads
• Overestimating the level of intimacy in a
relationship
*Information from
https://www.avalonmalibu.com/blog/spotlight-
on-personality-disorders-narcissistic-
personality-disorder-vs-histrionic-personality-
disorder/

13. Think-Pair-Share
Do you believe Paul has a Narcissistic or Histrionic personality disorder and why?

14. Symbolism
Flowers
Colors
Cordelia Street
Yellow Wallpaper
Windows
*Cropped image of "Window" by Matti Mattila

15. Significant Scenes
“Suppose his father had heard him
getting in at the window and had
come down and shot him for a
burglar?…Then again, suppose a day
should come when his father would
remember that night and wish there
had been no warning cry to stay his
hand? With the this past supposition
Paul entertained himself until
daybreak” (Cather, 1189).
This scene is significant in the
way that it provides the reader a
glimpse into Paul’s mind. It
illustrates the negative value
Paul bestowed upon himself from
going through possible scenarios
of him being killed. This reveals a
warning flag to the readers as an
act of foreshadowing his death.
Quote: Analysis:

16. Find a scene in
the reading and
explain its
significance.
Your Turn!
Quote: Analysis:
Must be at least 3
sentences long.

17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5qTNY2UkXM
Ticket Out the Door!
can you conclude about Paul? Was his choice just? Wha