Final answer:
The phrase 'some of Paul is old as the hills, young as the alphabet' reflects the dual nature of Paul's character as both ancient and enduring, and fresh and foundational, which implies a complex, multifaceted personality or legacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Carl Sandburg says that "some of Paul is old as the hills, young as the alphabet," he is emphasizing the timeless nature of Paul's essence along with the perpetual newness and vitality of his spirit or ideas. The phrase "old as the hills" alludes to the ancient, enduring elements of his character or contribution, suggesting a sense of wisdom and experience that stretches back through time.Convers
ely, "young as the alphabet" speaks to the novel, foundational aspects that are still open to interpretation and use, much like the letters of an alphabet that form new words and meanings.