In Paul’s Case, we could see that Paul is depressed in his real world. His teachers dislike him. We could see it in the beginning of the story where his teachers verbally attack his behaviour and performance within the bare, ugly walls of the school.

            Paul’s teachers find that his behavior is inappropriate and unacceptable although his appearance is that of a perfect gentleman. They have no understanding of Paul’s behavior and they do not wish to learn it. His meeting with the school principal is just a way that each of his teachers will get an opportunity to voice their disgust with him.

             His physical home is not something to be desired of. His upstairs bedroom is covered with discolored, old horrible yellow wallpaper. Paul feels as though he cannot stand the sight of it and his ugly sleeping chamber, the cold bathroom with dirty zinc tub, the cracked mirror and the dripping faucet.

            Selfish behavior further surrounds him at home with his father’s lack of understanding and emotional support. His father, further, could not be could the ideal father.

            Paul is also dealing with the pain of no mother. He lacked the maternal stability. In addition, he also knows that he did not fit in with all the other boys of his age.

            Moreover, Cordelia Street as well as his home makes him feel frustrated and hopeless but he is helpless to change the situation. Paul is aware of the fact that his life is not exactly what could be called ‘liveable’.

            Paul yearns to find romance and escape the drab reality of his daily life because he feels that these things are unjust and unfavorable to his life. Due to these things, he isolates himself from the common, small-minded people.

            He decides to rid himself from it by running away and creating his own world. He contemns and lives in a dream world, which comports and accepts him. However, he is force to revolt by despair and frustration.