The Dangers of Obsession Nkiru Okocha 12th Grade

As part of human nature, the desire to want more has lead many to a path of self-destruction. By way of illustration, the main character in “Paul’s Case” by Willa Cather, Paul, has an obsession with a more luxurious lifestyle fueling his negative behavior and ultimately resulting in his self-slaughter. Paul continuously lies to his peers about the lavish lifestyle he admires and even steals money from work, running away to New York. Finally, Paul ends up committing suicide to avoid returning to his former social class. Paul's class consciousness drives his impulsive and reckless behavior prompting him to tell improbable lies, steal money from his job and eventually commit suicide.

To begin with, throughout the story Paul continuously tells absurd lies about himself. He describes himself as an upper-class citizen who is acquainted with famous actors who perform at Carnegie Hall, where he works as an usher. When his peers lose interest in his ludicrous tales he uses more lies to keep them entertained such as traveling from country to country. When Paul looks back on his lies when in New York he believes he lied to maintain a separation from himself to his peers “He had never lied for pleasure, even at school; but to be noticed...