e amount of wisdom the lawyer hadacquired as well as the effects the years of isolation had on him mentally. The isolationhad a disturbing influence on the lawyers state of mind and the note revealed this bitterhatred for society. The lawyers bitter hatred for society is shown when he writes, And Idespise your books, despise all worldly blessings and wisdom... yet will death wipe youfrom the face of the earth like mice underground; (Chekhov, 175). To add to the effectsthe fifteen year term had upon the lawyer mentally the isolation also took a severe tollphysically on the lawyer. The years of prison life had aged the lawyer significantly andhe had become an old man.In Pauls Case by Willa Cather Pauls isolation is the cause for his suicide. Paulsseparation from society first becomes apparent at school where he shows that he has astrained relationship with his teachers. Later on at school Pauls isolation becomes evenmore distinct after looking at his lack of acceptance among his peers. This absence of friends may also be attributed to Pauls interest in art, opera and theater. Many of thesecharacteristics are perceived as feminine, so it is quite conceivable that his peers mighthave thought Paul to be a homosexual. Pauls isolation goes even further whileindulging himself in one of his many interests. Many references are made in regards tothe extent that Paul becomes consumed when in the presence of art, opera ortheater.An example of this is when Cather writes, When the symphony began Paulsank into one of the rear seats with a long sigh of relief, and lost himself as he had donebefore the Rico... the instruments seemed to free some hilarious spirit within him;(Cather, 150). Pauls desire to leave Cordelia St. and isolate himself is compoundedwhen he goes to New York. After Paul arrives in New York it becomes clear that he hasno intent of going back home or being found, thereby removing himself even further fromsociety. Finally Paul...
