Paul's Case Reflection

While I was reading "Paul's Case" by Willa Cather, I always just assumed that the plot was just about a troubled boy who couldn't find what made him happy in life. I never would have guessed that the story had to do with a young boy dealing with sexual orientation issues. I was very surprised when this topic came up in class because the thought had never crossed my mind. Now as I look back at the story, I see the hints that are given to tell the reader that the story is about Paul being homosexual. I understand why the author wrote the story this way because at the time, liking the same gender was considered a crime. This story has proven to me that when reading, I have to think outside the box and not assume the obvious.