Paul's Case Theoretical Perspective

Throughout Paul’s Case, it is undeniable that Paul was incredibly egocentric. His mannerisms and attitudes portrayed a mind that is solely focused on his own needs and desires. Not once in the story did he pause to consider the effect his actions and insolence had on those in his life, except, perhaps, to worry about a punishment he might receive. As he returned home from his job, for example, he felt no concern over his father’s worry for him, and simply dreaded the lecture he knew may receive. Too a point, a certain amount of self-serving egocentrism is typical for many people, particularly teenagers. However, Paul’s mental state was not healthy or typical. He caused discomfort and anger in his authority figures, drove his peers away, and was unable to form a connection with his family. Those that he respected and admired no longer became real people after his imagination took hold. Instead, his mind morphed them into romanticized symbols of wealth, power, and the exotic. This fantasy and his pervasive self-centeredness may have be a form of self-defense.

Unfortunately for Paul, because the world he lived in is so vastly different from the world he longed for, and because his reactions to this truth were so unpleasant, he drove a wedge between himself and those in his life. Paul lacked any close relationships, and despite the opportunities for relationships he received, with his father or his peers, what they offered was unworthy of his attention. Between egocentrism, his mother’s death, homosexual tendencies, and a wish for more from his life, Paul was disconnected and at odds with his world. With this in mind, it is little wonder he was