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Addiction In Paul's Case

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Addiction is a condition that plagues many. Not all addictions take the form of drug abuse. Some individuals become addicted to tv, video games or even sex. In the short story “Paul’s Case”, written by Willa Cather, the character Paul struggles with addiction. Paul's addiction however is abnormal as he is addicted to the idea of a particular lifestyle. Paul has developed an unhealthy obsession with the extravagant lives that the actors he works for are living. These actors live a lavish life filled with more luxuries than Paul could ever imagine. Despite having no intention of living the life of a performer Paul develops a deeply-rooted desire to live a lavish enough life that he is capable of witnessing such performers whenever he pleases. …show more content…

For Paul the source of his addiction is witnessing performers living extravagant lives. Paul's father is the type of man who values a conventional lifestyle. A life where a man settles down raises a few children and supports his family through a career that puts money on the table. Such a life could not be more undesirable to Paul. Growing up with a father who does not support the life Paul wants to live made Paul feel as though his father does not truly care for him. Paul quickly begins to believe that his father actually hates him. One night Paul while sneaking into his basement imagines his father nearly shooting him and then regretting not doing so. The resentment that Paul thought his father felt for him left Paul feeling empty and alone. With no one to express his desires to, Paul became consumed by his Job at the Theatre even forsaking school to work there. Paul’s father, upon learning he is no longer attending school, decides the best course of action is to forbid him from working in the theatre and make Paul work for the company he is employed at. Paul believes that his fathers action were done out of contempt but his father truly cares deeply about him, only taking the actions he believes to be best for his

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