"I think people ought to do what they want to do, what else are they alive for. (49)" This thought is what is reflected in both "Sonny’s Blues" by James Baldwin and "Paul’s Case" by Willa Cather. Both Baldwin and Cather illustrate the problem of a young man growing up and taking on the responsibility of finding out who they are and what they want out of life. In these stories the theme is most prevalent, developing the story and helping the reader form their own opinions on how they feel about their own individuality. No matter how hard someone tries to decide someone’s life, it is up to