Why did the author write the essay? What did the author hope readers would gain from it? What did the author assume about the knowledge and interests of readers, and how are these assumptions reflected in the essay?

You have a lot of questions here. You need to submit them one at a time.

Why did the author write the essay?

I think that Willa Cather wanted to write a coming of age story about a peculiar boy who isolates himself because of class structure. Paul’s case is one of raging against the powers that be. Perhaps, though, he is just another rebel without a cause. One thing is for sure: the very thought of ending up living a life of middle-class conformity terrifies him more than the concept of the abyss.