Willa Faul's Case: Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissistic Personality Disorder Arrogance; an insulting way of thinking or behaving that comes from believing that you are better, smarter, or more important than other people. Arrogance is an attitude that can describe any individual with overbearing pride. However, American Psychiatric Association notes that people who are also narcissistic are frequently described as cocky, self-centered, manipulative, and demanding. According to Paul J. Hannig, Ph.D, Narcissistic Personality Disorder is “a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy” (Ashmun). By examining the relationships, behaviors, and internal conflicts within, Willa Cather’s Paul’s Case, Paul’s “case” can be diagnosed as Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

Paul demonstrates narcissistic personality traits including an arrogant and haughty attitude. Throughout the story, Paul thinks he is above others at school, and loves whenever attention is upon him. It is evident that Paul is egocentric and feels superior to school officials as well as students. The author describes a typical day of school and states, “In one class he habitually sat with his hand shielding his eyes…in another, he made a running commentary on the lecture, with humorous intention” (Cather). Due to the fact that Paul has overbearing pride, he perceives school as a game. He believes that both the student body and staff are below him.

His sense of entitlement and unrealistic expectations ultimately prompted this disorder, and as a result, it negatively affects his life. His bold personality traits including arrogance, sense of entitlement, and selfishness reveal signs of a deeply ingrained personality disorder. Ultimately, Paul’s personality traits identify him as an unstable individual looking for a solution through