Question

In the story "Paul's Case," why is Paul irritated and wretched after the concert?

A. He has to walk home in the rain.
B. He has spoken with the singer.
C. His real life is so different from his dream.
D. He has seen his English teacher.

Answer 1

If I remember correctly, Paul is irritated and wretched after the concert because C) His real life is so different from his dream.

Answer 2

C. His real life is so different from his dream.

Paul is always irritated after a concert and remains so until he falls asleep at night. The reason for this is because during a concert Paul experiences a euphoria or “delicious excitement” that is the “only thing he could call living at all” so much so that when the thrill of a concert is over, he experiences a comedown/crash and goes through a sort of withdrawal to the point of irritability and wretchedness. His reality does not compare to the experiences of his dreams/fantasies he experiences during concerts.