The Conflict Between Conformity and Individuality in Willa Cathers Pau

The Conflict Between Conformity and Individuality in Willa Cathers capital of Minnesotas lineament Willa Cathers capital of Minnesotas plate, displays the conflict between conformity and individualism through the main character, capital of Minnesota. On a number of occasions, capital of Minnesota is squeeze to lie and steal to run away the conformings who wish to control him and stifle his rum imagination. However, his lying, stealing, and campaigns to escape the conformists, alone force Paul into isolation, depression, and feeling a reason of shame for his identity operator. Throughout the story one might see Cathers constant contrast of individuality versus conformity, as well as Pauls lying and stealing. Cather seems to draw the conclusion that extreme individuals, much alike(p) Paul are just now misunderstood, and not offered the acceptance they desire from conformist society. One way Cather contrasts individuality and conformity is through detailed descriptio ns of Pauls character Pauls appearance, Pauls unaccustomed 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 for his get along with and very thin, with high, cramped 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 can be accredited to Cathers on the alert word choice for his age. Most young individuals, specifically in Pauls teenage age bracket, will struggle for acceptance from their peers barely it appears that Paul makes little effort in this regard. Pauls unique mannerisms are also worthy of analysis, and aid in creating a intellectual picture of this unusual young man. Cather uses Pauls meeting with the dexterity of his educational facility to convey the irritating and intimidating q ualities of his mannerisms. She writes, His teachers felt this afternoon that his whole attitude was symbolized by his shrug and his flippantly red clove pink flower, and they fell upon him without mercy. He stood through it smiling, his pale lips parted everyplace his white teeth. (His lips were continually twitching, and he had a habit of raising his eyebrows that was insulting and irritating to the last degree)(Pg.2). Combined with the description of Pauls carnal appearance, his mannerisms now... ...nearly always 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 world of a young boy, whos individuality is constantly in conflict with the conformist society that surrounds him. In attempts to escape this reality, Paul loses himself in a fantasy 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 reader 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 disbelieving if society simply should have supported Pauls individuality, quite 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.