McTeague

Definition

McTeague is a novel written by Frank Norris, published in 1899, which is often regarded as a prime example of naturalism in literature. The story follows the life of a dentist named McTeague and examines themes of greed, violence, and the struggle for survival in a changing society. The characters are portrayed as being influenced by their environment and hereditary traits, emphasizing how these factors lead to deterministic outcomes in their lives, particularly against the backdrop of an urban setting.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. McTeague's character embodies the struggle between primal instincts and societal expectations, showcasing how his base desires ultimately lead to his downfall.
2. The novel illustrates the brutal reality of life in urban settings during the late 19th century, capturing the social challenges and moral decay present in society.
3. Norris uses vivid imagery and detailed descriptions to convey the harsh realities faced by his characters, aligning with naturalist principles.
4. The relationship between McTeague and Trina is central to the story, representing how love can be corrupted by greed and desire for material wealth.
5. Ultimately, McTeague's tragic fate reflects the deterministic view of human life, where individual choices are overshadowed by larger societal forces and innate impulses.

Review Questions

• How does McTeague illustrate the principles of naturalism through its characters and themes?
  • McTeague exemplifies naturalism through its depiction of characters whose lives are shaped by their environment and inherited traits. The protagonist's descent into violence and madness showcases how external forces like poverty and societal pressure can drive individuals to act against their better judgment. Norris emphasizes that human behavior is not just a matter of free will but is heavily influenced by circumstances beyond personal control.
• Discuss how determinism is portrayed in McTeague and its effects on the characters' fates.
  • Determinism in McTeague is evident as characters are trapped by their circumstances and psychological makeup. For instance, McTeague's greed leads him to violent actions that ultimately seal his fate. The novel suggests that individual actions cannot escape the weight of their environments or hereditary predispositions. This deterministic outlook reinforces the idea that personal choice is often an illusion within the broader context of societal influences.
• Evaluate how urban realism shapes the narrative of McTeague and affects character development.
  • Urban realism significantly shapes McTeague's narrative by providing a backdrop that influences character behavior and relationships. The chaotic and often brutal environment of San Francisco serves as a catalyst for the characters' struggles, illustrating how urban life can exacerbate human flaws like greed and desperation. As McTeague navigates this environment, his interactions reflect the harsh realities faced by many in rapidly growing cities, highlighting how urbanization impacts identity and morality.

Related terms

Naturalism:

A literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by a focus on the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior.

Determinism:

The philosophical belief that all events, including human actions, are determined by previously existing causes, often linked to naturalistic views in literature.

Urbanization: The process of population shift from rural to urban areas, which significantly impacts social dynamics and individual experiences in cities.