Paul Rayment Thesis

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Accidents occurs every time in the most unpredictable time and place. Paul Rayment was a victim of an unfortunate event that completely change his life physically, emotionally, and psychologically. His accident cost his leg. As an avid biker and biking as his primary source of transportation, Paul’s leg was a major part of his life and being amputated meant a lot of complication for the rest of his life. The story looks into the life of Paul and his struggles in his new, modified life as an old amputee, who prefer life in solitude. Looking deeper in the meaning of his seemingly stubborn attitude towards his amputation, Paul showed a great psychological shift on how to live the rest of his life and start to accept rather new concepts that he …show more content…

However, his realization of the injury was further pushed to him when his doctor offered him prosthesis. At face value, prosthesis gives hope to amputees, enabling them to return to their normal lives with the minimum technicalities, however Paul sees prosthesis on a different matter. “Let me say it again : I don’t want a prosthesis.’ Dr Hansen and Nurse Elaine exchange glances. ‘if you don’t want a prosthesis, what would you prefer?’ ‘I would prefer to take care of myself.” (10) Not only he refused the prosthesis, Paul completely ignore the line of questioning about his disability. The refusal of the prosthesis made his to make a choice, giving his the mentality that he is still in control of his life. Mad on his lack of option on his amputation, the ability to pick the prosthesis is a small, yet crucial decision that he could make for his own life. Additionally, the use of prosthesis symbolize that he surrenders and accept that he is a feeble old man who cannot make choices for himself. When Paul said that he wants to take care of himself, he was emphasizing that this tragedy that happened to him was not as life altering as the doctor thinks. Paul’s long lived years as a single , independent man affected his thoughts and how to process his current …show more content…

The first sign of his return to humanity was him liking a girl in a sexual manner. “Not quite young enough for the role of princess, perhaps, but attractive nonetheless; soft-fleshed.........She is the first woman to provoke his sexual interest since the accident” (36) Even though his essence of his former self was slowly dwindling down because of the accident, Paul was able to observe the beauty of his surroundings and having the same instincts as a normal mature man. This small stimuli helps Paul to stay intact with reality and able to survive his melancholic lifestyle. However, the arrival of Marijana ignited his life and gave him a greater reason for his life. Marijana is an educated and culturally apt caregiver that is blessed with a healthy family, that Paul longs for. He was offering Marijana to be a sponsor for his son to have a better education, which was an indirect approach towards her affection. “Yes. He wants Drago to have a good education..... He wants Ljuba and her older sister to grow up happy too, and have their own hearts’ desire. Over the whole brood he wants to extend the shield of his benevolent protection. And he wants to love this excellent woman, their mother. That above all. For which he will pay.” (p77)Paul’s intentions were pure, to help Marijana and her family to gain access for the better of their future. However, his love towards Marijana is stronger than his

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