1. “Paul’s Case”
Critical Approaches

2. New Critical: word choice, motifs, symbols
Queer theory:
gender non-conformity and possible homosexuality indicated by Cather’s choice of words to describe Paul, his actions, etc. The CODED text!
Frustrated Romanticism:
also indicated by motifs and word choice (also see Social Critique)

3. Psychological
Story originally subtitled “A Study in Temperament”; what is Paul a “case” study of?
Delusions of grandeur
Learning Disabilities
Other mental/emotional illnesses
Child abuse?
see also:
Queer theory

4. Social Critique
unfettered capitalism (c.f. Maggie): haves and have-nots (“Marxists critique”)
society’s rejection of non-conformists; mechanized modern world esp. brutal
the impracticality (even danger) of Romantic ideals in the Modern world
also see queer theory (homophobia/heterosexism)

5. Feminist Theory Rejection of the “feminine”
(Tom Boy vs. “Jane Girl”)
Triviality of the female’s role in society

6. Overview of Realism/Naturalism the Gilded Age
What has the American Dream metamorphosed into?
What has happened to the concept of democracy vis-à-vis capitalism by the late 1800s?

7. Realism vs Naturalism
Maggie = Naturalism. Not just a “slice of life” but reality manipulated to show how human lives are at the mercy of environment and social circumstances. Details of life often grotesque, exaggerated.
“Paul’s Case” = Realism. Paul can be seen as having some options, making some bad choices. Details of life are realistic, not grotesque.