Life Class Post 1

So far in the book, Life Class, by Pat Barker we have met the interesting character of Paul. He is a young student at the art school of Slade during 1914. He seems to be a very opinionated and honest character, yet with a bit of temper. We see this temper when he storms out of his "Life Class" at Slade because he is frustrated with his work. Barker states, "He shouted, though he hadn't meant to. All around people were turning to stare at him. Without giving Tonks a chance to reply, he through down his pencil and walked out"(6). It is evident here that the character of Paul is one with a short fuse. This quote also gives further insight to how Paul is passionate because he cares so much for his work, and improving on what he has done, that when he feels it is insufficient it distresses him very much.  However, although our first impression of Paul is one of a tempered, perfectionist it is later revealed throughout the chapter that he is also kind an honest. When Paul sees a young girl, drunk, being persuaded by a strange man he stands up for her although he does not know her. Paul tells the man to back of and throws the man's silver headed cane into the lake. Barker describes this as, " In a final burst of exhileration, he sent the cane whirling in a broad arc over the lake, it's silver knob flashing in the sun"(11). This random act of kindness twards a unknown girl demonstrates to the reader that Paul is one of honesty and ingerity, not only anger.