Significance of the Red Carnation and How it Relates to Paul s Death
In the short story Paul’s Case, by Willa Cather, the red carnation is symbolized by his estrangement from the world of Cordelia Street. ... This use of symbolism indicates Paul’s desires to be part of the finer things in life and reflects on his thoughts of separation with the world of Cordelia Street. As we look at the story through this interpretation, we are able to see Paul’s passion for splendor, his weaknesses and his incapability to succeed outside of Cordelia Street. The first instance that you read about is in the beginning of the story where Paul wears a red carnation to his hearing with the school board. He wears the carnation to represent the world outside of Cordelia Street. The contrast between the vibrant red color of the carnation to the drab color of Cordelia Street displays that the finer things in life are livelier and Cordelia Street is dull. ... They believe the carnation is not “properly significant of the contrite spirit befitting a boy under the ban of suspension” (Cather, par.