Is it possible my PhD advisor is setting me up to fail on purpose?

Letter Two: Dear Bewildered and Burnt-Out

It makes total sense to me that this leads you down the thought paths you’re on, especially your curiosity around your advisor’s intention. It seems perfectly understandable to be wondering that about someone who should want you to succeed (we hope just simply because that’s sort of their job but also because it reflects well on them when you do well) but whose actions aren’t aligned.