The Conflict Between Conformity and Individuality in Willa Cathers Pau

The Conflict Between Conformity and Individuality in Willa Cathers capital of Minnesotas Case Willa Cathers capital of Minnesotas Case, displays the conflict between conformity and individuality through the main character, Paul. On a number of occasions, Paul is forced to lie and steal to escape the conformists who wishing to control him and stifle his unique imagination. However, his lying, stealing, and attempts to escape the conformists, only force Paul into isolation, depression, and feeling a sense of shame for his individuality. Throughout the story nonpareil efficacy see Cathers constant contrast of individuality versus conformity, as well as Pauls lying and stealing. Cather seems to draw the conclusion that extreme individuals, lots like Paul are simply misunderstood, and not offered the acceptance they desire from conformist society. One way Cather contrasts individuality and conformity is through detailed descriptions of Pauls character Pauls appearance, Pauls un usual mannerisms, and Pauls open criticisms of conformity. Collectively, these three characteristics assert Pauls individuality. Pauls appearance is described in detail at the beginning of the story and provides the foundation of his individuality Paul was tall(a) for his age and very thin, with high, cramp shoulders and a narrow chest(Pg. 1). One only needs to reach the second paragraph of the story and realize Paul does not fit in, which bed be accredited to Cathers careful word choice for his age. Most young individuals, specifically in Pauls teenage age bracket, leave behind struggle for acceptance from their peers however it appears that Paul makes little effort in this regard. Pauls unusual mannerisms are also worthy of analysis, and aid in creating a mental picture of this unusual young man. Cather uses Pauls meeting with the faculty of his educational facility to convey the irritating and intimidating qualities of his mannerisms. She writes, His teachers tangle this after noon that his whole attitude was symbolized by his shrug and his flippantly red carnation flower, and they fell upon him without mercy. He stood through it smiling, his pale lips parted everywhere his white teeth. (His lips were continually twitching, and he had a habit of raising his eyebrows that was contemptuous and irritating to the last degree)(Pg.2). Combined with the description of Pauls physical appearance, his mannerisms now... ...nearly unceasingly wore the guise of ugliness, that a certain element of artificiality seemed to him necessary in beauty(Pg. 7). With this in mind, Pauls actions seem deliberate, as if he knew what he was doing all along, again supporting the theory that he was simply wallowing in misery, crying for help. In conclusion, Willa Carthers Pauls Case is an interesting glimpse into the military man of a young boy, whos individuality is constantly in conflict with the conformist society that surrounds him. In attempts to escape this reality, Pau l loses himself in a magic world of art, lies, and thievery. In this attempt to escape, Paul slips into isolation and depression. Carther in this regard is very careful on how she portrays Paul, to brink about some sympathy from the commentator as he is simply a troubled young man. In the end, Pauls individuality and societies refusal of him leads to Pauls demise. The sympathy Cather creates for Paul leaves one questioning if society simply should have supported Pauls individuality, instead of letting him slip away. Pauls death seems to support this theory, as not a single reader would have wished such a cruel ending to the life of a dreamer.