People are often judged based on the physical characteristics of their lives. Whether through appearance or possessions, people desire to communicate an impressive version of themselves to others. In the short story "The Case of Paul", Willa Cather writes the story of a teenager's desire to represent himself as part of the upper class. Using the recurring image of red carnations as a symbol of Paul's distorted view of himself to convey how a materialistic pursuit can create a facade but not change a person's true identity. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayThe symbol of the red carnation appears for the first time as in the story in the opening scene. While meeting to discuss his suspension with his instructors, Paul wears the “scandalous red carnation” on his coat. Although placed in a situation for which he should feel sorry, Paul shows no signs of remorse for his actions; Paul acts rather condescendingly towards his teachers, communicating "the contempt that [the teacher] everyone knew he felt for them, and which he apparently made not the slightest effort to hide." In this scene, the red carnation is established as a symbol of Paul's perception of himself. For Paul, his connection to the upper class through his work at Carnegie Hall makes him superior to his peers and his 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 achievements that would place him above others. In an attempt to communicate his superiority, Paul creates a well-dressed, entitled persona intended to trick others into thinking he is upper class. The red carnation serves as a physical manifestation of its facade. The bright red color of the petals parallels Paul's bold and unapologetic attitude towards a situation intended to make him feel remorse. The red carnation symbol reappears as Paul explores New York. Instructed to deposit the checks at the bank, Paul uses the opportunity to steal some of the money. Using the money, Paul leaves, planning to spend a week in New York enjoying the lavish lifestyle of the upper class. Walking down Fifth Avenue, Paul notices the carnations within the “flower gardens blooming beneath glass cases, against whose walls snowflakes stick and melt.” In this section, the red carnations in the glass are representative of Paul's misperception of reality. Despite the winter, the flowers bloom in the snow thanks to the artificial environment that surrounds them. Just like flowers, Paul's upper-class fantasy blooms, becoming reality, fulfilling his desires and making him feel like he's always belonged; however, Paul fails to understand that the status he has gained will not last because it comes from the theft of money rather than his prosperity. The money he stole protects him the same way the glass case protects the flowers from the winter. It establishes protection from the cold reality of his mundane life, making him forget that the life he created will not last forever. This blindness to the truth ultimately fuels his superiority complex, as he uses money to materialize his superiority. The description of the red carnation changes after Paul receives news that the others know he stole the money. The news that Paul's father has returned the stolen money and that he is headed to New York to bring him home concludes his trip to New York. As he walks through the.