The Symbol of The Red Carnation in Paul’s Case

People oftentimes get judged based on physical characteristics of their life. Whether through appearance or possessions, people desire to communicate an impressive version of themselves to others. In the short story “Paul’s Case,” Willa Cather writes about the story of a teenage boy’s desire to portray himself as part of the upper class. Using the reoccurring image of red carnations as a symbol of Paul’s distorted view of himself to communicate how a materialistic pursuit can create a facade but does not change a person’s true identity.

The symbol of the red carnation first appears as in the short story in the opening scene. While meeting to discuss his suspension with his instructors, Paul wears the “scandalous red carnation” on his overcoat. Although placed in a situation he is supposed to feel apologetic about, Paul displays no signs of remorse for his actions; rather, Paul acts condescendingly towards his teachers, communicating “the contempt which [the teacher] all knew he felt for them, and which he seemingly made not the least effort to conceal”. In this scene, the red carnation is established as symbolic of Paul’s perception of himself. To Paul, his connection to the upper class via the job at Carnegie Hall makes him superior to his peers and authority. This characterizes him as having a superiority complex, as Paul has an exaggerated feeling of importance over others despite having no personal wealth or accomplishments that would place him above others. In an attempt to communicate his superiority, Paul creates a well-dressed, entitled persona meant to trick others into thinking he belongs with the upper class. The red carnation acts as a physical manifestation of his facade. The bright red color of the petals parallels Paul’s bold, unapologetic attitude towards a situation intended to make him feel remorseful.

The symbol of the red carnation reappears while Paul explores New York. Entrusted to deposit the checks at the bank, Paul uses the opportunity to steal a portion of the money. Using the money, Paul leaves, planning to spend a week in New York enjoying the lavish lifestyle of the upper class. Traveling down Fifth Avenue, Paul notices carnations inside the “flower gardens blooming under glass cases, against the side of which snowflakes stuck and melted”. In this section, the red carnations in the glass are representative of Paul’s misperception of his reality. In spite of the winter, the flowers blossom in the snow because of the artificial environment surrounding them. Much like the flowers, Paul’s upper-class fantasy flourishes, becoming a reality, fulfilling his desires, and making him feel as if he always belonged; however, Paul fails to understand that the status he has gained will not last because it came from stealing money rather than his prosperity. The money he stole protects him similarly to how the glass case shields the flowers from the winter. He establishes protection from the cold reality of his mundane life, causing him to forget that life he created will not last forever. This blindness to the truth ultimately feeds his superiority complex, as he uses the money to materialize his superiority.

The description of the red carnation shifts after Paul receives news that others know he stole the money. Hearing that Paul’s father paid back the stolen money and is heading to New York to take him home ends his journey in New York. While walking through the open fields, Paul ponders the news, slipping into a state of reflection. The vividly-colored red carnations he wore are now “drooping with the cold” with little color left in their petals. Also, Paul touches on how the carnations he saw protected by the glass cases had “only one splendid breath…, in spite of their brave mockery at the winter outside”. This dreary imagery created by the description of the carnation Paul wears communicates Paul’s current emotions. His journey produced in an ironic turn of events: Paul, who convinced himself of his superiority over others, is now unable to deny the mediocrity of his life. This facade he created fooled everyone into thinking he resided with the upper class, including himself. Like the flowers in the case, Paul was able to protect himself from the cold reality of his life by spending the stolen money on lavish items and experiences. Noticing that even the protected flowers will die symbolizes how Paul realizes that, no matter what he did, this fake life he created for himself eventually had to end and that he will have to return to the old life he hated.

Using the symbol of the red carnation, the author, Willa Cather, portrays Paul’s distorted view of himself. In doing this, the theme demonstrates how a materialistic pursuit can create a facade but does not change a person’s true identity.