e irony here is that in reality Paul is only the servant, while in his own mind he looks at himself as much more important, as the host. Throughout the rest of the story, Paul's attitude and character are exposed to the reader through his actions. We, as readers, can discern the irony present in the symbolism that is interlaced throughout in the text. This symbolism shows that not only does Paul have many misconceptions about himself and his place in society, but it also demonstrates Paul's mendacity. Paul's whole life is a show; an act put on for the benefit of others so that they will see him in a certain way. "Paul was always smiling, always glancing about him, seeming to feel that people might be watching him and trying to detect something." In this instance, Paul felt that he was so important, so admired by those around him, that he thought everyone to be looking at him, as if everything he did was noteworthy, which represents Paul's inaccurate self perception. Also, it is apparent that Paul consciously tries to alter his appearance so that he will be mistaken for a sophisticated, upper class person, which represents his deceit. It is obvious why Paul lies: he thinks he is better than everyone else, and he wants them to think he is, too. "He had never lied for pleasure, even at school; but to be noticed and admired, to assert his difference from other Cordelia Street boys." In another instance of Paul's deviousness, "He spent more than an hour in dressing, watching every stage of his toilet carefully in the mirror. Everything was quite perfect; he was exactly the kind of boy he had always wanted to be." Here, Paul's vanity and the care he takes in preparing himself show that he is very conscious of covering up his old life. His whole escapade to New York, his entire being there, is all an act, and he is playing his part perfectly. He is aware that he is not truly who he wanted to be, that he had to go to great lengths to become wha...
