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“Paul’s Case: A Study in Temperament”, a short story by Willa Cather, was first published in 1905
. The story follows Paul, a teenager from Pittsburgh who is unhappy with his middle-class life and dreams of escaping to a more glamorous existence. His rebellious temperament leads him down a self-destructive path as he indulges in fantasies of wealth and glamor. Cather’s narrative explores themes of alienation and the clash between societal norms and individual desires, offering a poignant critique of American materialism and conformity.Read the free full text, the full story summary, an in-depth character analysis of Paul, and explanations of important quotes from “Paul’s Case.”