4-Paul's+Case

Cosa Questions: (Issi) 1. Where does Paul work? 2. How did you feel reading the first scene? 3. Hypothesize what you think happened in the end. (Danielle) 1. What about Paul's appearance reminds them of someone addicted to belladonna? 2. Compare and contrast Paul's emotions versus the principles. 3. Why do you think Paul enjoyed the symphony so much? (Raven) 1. What aggravated the teachers most about Paul's overall attitude while being disciplined? 2. Why do you think Paul enjoys Carnegie Hall so much? 3. What do you think was going through Paul's mind as he was standing on the tracks about to commit suicide?

Vocabulary Builder: (Issi) Carnegie Hall- a famous music venue in New York City (the place Paul worked as an usher) Red carnation- a long steamed flower (what Paul wore when his teachers were all against him, showed how he tried to be optimistic) Belladonna- deadly nightshade (Paul's eyes looked like he had been on this, describing him) Cordelia Street- a street Paul thinks the rich and wealthy live on (where Paul wanted to be) Suicide- the act of killing oneself intentionally (what Paul did to himself at the end, making the tone dark) Lying- to tell something that is not true (Paul said he was used to lying) Disorder- a state of confusion (one of the names his teachers called Paul, made him feel different) Jewish- to be of the Judaism religion (shows where Paul came from, and what his father intended of him) Charley Edwards- a famous role model to Paul (he is the person Paul would like to be, and why he is devastated when he can be with Charley no longer) Colorless- to have no color or shade (the world Paul lived)

Character Tracker: (Raven)

Mysterious- Paul could be described as a puzzle to everyone. There was something about him that no one could figure out or understand. Paul hid behind his smile and his mask that everything was okay. His mystery was a story that he never wanted anyone to solve.

Misunderstood- Paul was misunderstood by everyone around him. His teachers, classmates, and family were too busy telling him what he should/shouldn't be instead of trying to understand who he truly is beneath it all.

Strange- Normally, kids don't smile and act as if nothing is bothering them under pressure and when they're under attack. Paul is different. He has a very peculiar smile and personality about him. The teachers never liked him because they felt they could never get to him. Everyone looked at him like he was strange, which he was.

Unhappy- Constantly being judged never feels good to any human being. Paul was judged by everyone around him. He didn't want to be told how he should live, he wanted to decide that on his own. The only place Paul found happiness was in the theater, at his job. He was in a different world; somewhere he felt he belonged. Because he never fit with anyone's standards, he committed suicide. Paul had to be very displeased with his life in order to make the decision of taking his life.

Adventurous- Paul, despite of what he was going through, always found someway to please himself in his own world; theater. He came alive when he was working as an usher. He went on new adventures each day at work finding the happiness he needed.

Extender: (Danielle)

Paul's Case can easily be compared to numerous novels about suspension and troublesome kids finding their path. Holes, a book about a young boy sent to camp to dig holes for detention, relates in the way that he was also judged immediately. Being a thin, Caucasian, boy, he was judged on his lack of strength or manliness. Another book called "If I Stay" tells the story of young girl who comes in contact with a near death experience and heals with her love of music.

A song that could easily be compared to this story is Nirvanna's song "Smells Like Teen Spirit". With it's nonchalant lyrics and careless teen angst, Paul's life seems to fall somewhere along those lyrics. Cobain's use of his voice projects a vision that would describe Paul's attitude. High at points (around his friends) and low/emotionless (around administrators or people he went against). Almost creepy if I had to describe it. []

Of many other things this story could be compared to, I believe it's important to point out that every school has a child like this. I know many trouble-some students that seem to live a colorless life and show little to no emotion. Deep down, they have a passion for something and a typical angst. Although, I won't share names, students will occasionally enhance their personal lives to make them sound more interesting and acquire more attention.