Combining the first line with the beginning of the second paragraph would sound better imo. Like this:
"It was a panful life--a purgatory designed just for him."
I noticed you omit the verbs in the beginning. It might be better to put those in.
Who speaks at first? In the "who do you think you are" part?
I would recommend checking your tense changes.
"His broad back filled out his coat"
I thought he was starving so much that he even lost the desire to eat? How does he have a broad back that can fill out his coat in that situation?
Also, why doesn't he brush off the maggots when he gets up? They're literally eating him.
Oh, so the woman wasn't real. Is he going mad or is something else going on here?
I have to say, the story is interesting. Good job!