Paul's desire for a more glamorous life and his obsession with art and beauty exemplify the theme of escapism and disillusionment with reality.
The contrast between Paul's dreary surroundings in Pittsburgh and the allure of New York City highlights the theme of longing for a different life.
Paul's relationships with authority figures like his teachers and father underscore the theme of alienation and rebellion against societal norms.
The motif of theater and performance in the story reinforces the theme of living in a world of illusions and fantasy.
The tragic ending, where Paul takes his own life, ultimately reflects the theme of the destructive consequences of living in a fantasy world disconnected from reality.
