What are the main themes in 'Paul's Case Short Story'?

Well, the themes in 'Paul's Case: A Full Short Story' are quite complex. There's the theme of alienation. Paul feels out of place in his school and home environment. Also, the pursuit of beauty and art is a theme. He is drawn to the aesthetic world of the theater as an escape from his drab existence. He sees the beauty in the theater world and wants to be a part of it rather than deal with his mundane daily life.

The climax of 'Paul's Case' is when Paul steals the money and runs away to New York, only to find himself alone and lost.

The main character is Paul. There are also his teachers and his father who play important roles in the story.

It could be classified as a coming-of-age story. The main character's experiences and growth throughout the story give it this genre tag.

In the end, when faced with the return to his real life after his brief taste of luxury, he can't bear it. His character development leads to his tragic end as he jumps in front of a train. His inability to reconcile his dreams with reality ultimately destroys him.

Another possible theme could be perception. How characters perceive each other and events can lead to suspicion. If one character misinterprets the actions of another, it can fuel the sense of suspicion in the story. Also, the theme of truth might be involved as the characters try to figure out whether their suspicions are based on truth or false assumptions.

The concept of fate also plays a role. Many of his characters seem to be at the mercy of some unseen force. They can't escape their pre - determined paths, no matter how hard they try. This gives his stories a sense of inevitability.

Love and loss is a theme that pops up. There are stories where characters experience love in different forms, whether it's romantic love or the love for a place. And then, of course, there's the aspect of loss that comes with it, like losing a loved one or losing a sense of connection to a place they once loved.

The theme of isolation could also be present. Even during a festive time like Christmas, some characters in Auster's story might feel alone. This could be a contrast to the general idea of Christmas as a time of togetherness and could add depth to the narrative.

Existential angst is a key theme as well. The characters in his short stories usually experience a sense of unease and confusion about their existence. They question their place in the world and the meaning of their actions. Also, the theme of moral responsibility is present, as the characters have to deal with the consequences of their choices.