What do you think of Pauls responses to the challenges he faced so far in the story? Did he handle it well, did he blow it, did he do about as well as could be expected?
He was a child who wanted to be a saint, a blue-collar worker, a devoted servant of the urban poor, a journalistic success, and a dissolute libertine. To illustrate your view, select several events from his life. Be sure to cite the text to demonstrate your reading.
There are two basic kinds of challenge: his own individuality, and the historical situation. He like the rest of us -- has to come to terms with both of these. Personally, hes unusually bright and talented, hes attractive to (and attracted by) women, he has plenty of attitude, and he has strong religious interests. Historically, hes a working-class Slovakian Catholic in a period when the whole cultural world both the US culture and the Catholic Church (Second Vatican Council) -- was changing. Neither the US (civil rights, feminist movement, general questioning of authority) nor the Catholic Church (liturgical reform, individual dignity and liberty, social justice), has recovered from this upheaval.
(If you don't share his religious interests, then simply look at the situation from a pragmatic, existential point of view: that is, what is one going to think about life and its meaning, and what is one going to do?)
Remember, if you are inclined to be hard on him, that he had to work with the personality he had. Some of us are not alcoholics, for instance, but that is not a particularly impressive virtue: our own makeup is simply not susceptible to that; its not something to brag about.
Book is in Due Season A catholic Life by Paul Wilkes
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To provide an analysis of Paul's responses to the challenges he faced, let's look at several events from his life as described in the book "In Due Season: A Catholic Life" by Paul Wilkes.
1. Paul's desire to be a saint: In his childhood, Paul aspired to be a saint. This demonstrates his strong religious interests and a desire for spiritual fulfillment. It shows his initial response to the challenge of finding meaning and purpose in life.
2. Transition to a blue-collar worker: Despite his early dreams of becoming a saint, Paul eventually takes on a blue-collar job. This indicates that he faced the challenge of reconciling his religious aspirations with the practical realities of earning a living. It suggests a shift in his priorities and a recognition of the need for financial stability.
3. Devotion to serving the urban poor: As part of his religious calling, Paul becomes a devoted servant of the urban poor. This response demonstrates his commitment to social justice and his desire to make a positive impact on those in need. It showcases his ability to channel his religious interests into meaningful action.
4. Success in journalism: Paul achieves success in journalism, which highlights his talent and intelligence. This response represents his ability to adapt and excel in different fields, demonstrating his resilience and capacity to navigate challenges in pursuit of his goals.
5. Diverging into a dissolute lifestyle: In a contrasting response, Paul becomes a dissolute libertine, indulging in a life of excess and pleasure. This shift suggests a possible struggle with personal identity and an attempt to find fulfillment in unconventional ways. It could be seen as a response to the challenges of societal expectations and personal fulfillment.
It is important to remember that Paul faced challenges both in terms of his individuality and the historical context. As an individual, he possessed unique strengths and qualities, as well as limitations. Likewise, the changing cultural world of the United States and the Catholic Church presented him with external factors to navigate.
Assessing whether Paul handled these challenges well, blew it, or did about as well as could be expected is subjective and open for interpretation. It depends on one's perspective and values. Some may appreciate his pursuit of different interests and his ability to adapt, while others may criticize his indulgent lifestyle or perceived inconsistency.
To form a comprehensive view, I encourage you to read the book "In Due Season: A Catholic Life" by Paul Wilkes and analyze the events and their impact on Paul's character and responses in detail, drawing upon specific passages from the text to support your interpretation.