Mcteague by Frank Norris (1899)

Name: Mcteague
Author: Frank Norris

The narrative follows the life of a dentist who, after a humble upbringing, establishes his practice in San Francisco. He is characterized by his immense physical strength and a slow, sluggish mind. His routine is disrupted when he meets Trina Sieppe, a young woman who becomes the object of his affection. Their relationship develops amidst the backdrop of Trina's unexpected lottery win of five thousand dollars, which complicates their lives and relationships with others, particularly with Marcus Schouler, the dentist's friend who also has feelings for Trina. As the story unfolds, McTeague's simple life becomes intertwined with Trina's newfound wealth, leading to their marriage. However, the dynamics of their relationship shift as McTeague's initial admiration for Trina begins to wane after their engagement, revealing a darker side of his character. The narrative explores themes of desire, greed, and the impact of fortune on human relationships. The couple's life together is marked by tension, particularly with Marcus, who feels betrayed by McTeague's relationship with Trina. As the story progresses, McTeague's brutish nature and Trina's increasing obsession with her wealth lead to a deterioration of their marriage. The once joyous prospect of a shared future becomes overshadowed by jealousy, resentment, and the corrosive effects of money. Ultimately, the story serves as a critique of the American Dream, illustrating how the pursuit of wealth can lead to moral decay and the unraveling of personal relationships. The characters' fates are sealed by their choices, driven by desires that ultimately lead to tragedy. The narrative concludes with a sense of inevitability, as the characters are unable to escape the consequences of their actions and the societal pressures that shape their lives.

By Frank Norris · First published 1899 · Genre: Naturalism, Realism, Tragedy · 22 chapters · 140,747 words

First lines

It was Sunday, and, according to his custom on that day, McTeague took his dinner at two in the afternoon at the car conductors' coffee-joint on Polk Street. He had a thick gray soup; heavy, underdone meat, very hot, on a cold plate; two kinds of vegetables; and a sort of suet pudding, full of strong butter and sugar. On his way back to his office, one block above, he stopped at Joe Frenna's saloon and bought a pitcher of steam beer. It was his habit to leave the pitcher there on his way to dinner.

What this Textopian page supports

Mcteague is listed on Textopian as a novel by Frank Norris, dated 1899 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Frank Norris
Date: 1899 CE
Language: English
Genres: Naturalism, Realism, Tragedy, Psychological Fiction, Social Critique
Length: 140,747 words
Structure: 22 chapters, 2,561 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Mcteague by Frank Norris
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Mcteague?
How does this novel by Frank Norris fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Naturalism first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Naturalism — The novel exemplifies naturalism through its focus on the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior.
Realism — It portrays everyday life and social issues with a focus on the struggles of the working class.
Tragedy — The plot centers on the downfall of the protagonist, driven by greed and moral decay.
Psychological Fiction — The characters' inner conflicts and motivations are explored in depth, particularly regarding desire and obsession.