McTeague

Definition

McTeague is a novel written by Frank Norris, published in 1899, that is a quintessential example of naturalism in American literature. The story follows the life of a San Francisco dentist named McTeague, whose descent into greed and violence reflects the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior. Through vivid characters and intense situations, the novel demonstrates how external forces shape individual destinies, which is a core principle of naturalism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The character of McTeague embodies the theme of naturalism as he is heavily influenced by his environment, including his background and societal conditions.
2. McTeague's downfall is marked by a series of tragic events driven by greed, jealousy, and the influence of his relationships with other characters, showcasing how fate can be cruel.
3. The novel critiques social conditions of the time, including class struggles and moral decay, reflecting the harsh realities faced by individuals during that era.
4. Norris employs vivid imagery and symbolism throughout the novel to enhance themes of decay and the brutal realities of life.
5. McTeague's eventual transformation from a respectable dentist to a desperate criminal illustrates the central idea that circumstances can dramatically alter an individual's character and moral compass.

Review Questions

• How does Frank Norris use McTeague's character to illustrate the principles of naturalism?
  • Frank Norris uses McTeague's character to exemplify the core ideas of naturalism by showing how McTeague's environment and heredity shape his actions and ultimate fate. As a dentist living in San Francisco, McTeague's descent into greed and violence highlights how external pressures, such as societal expectations and personal relationships, can dictate an individual's behavior. His transformation illustrates the deterministic viewpoint that people are products of their environment, subject to forces beyond their control.
• In what ways does McTeague critique social conditions and morality in late 19th-century America?
  • McTeague critiques social conditions and morality in late 19th-century America by depicting the struggles of its characters within a rapidly changing society. The novel highlights issues like class conflict, economic desperation, and moral decline through its portrayal of characters who are consumed by greed and jealousy. This reflection on social dynamics serves as a commentary on the era’s ethical standards, suggesting that societal pressures can lead individuals to moral corruption and violence.
• Evaluate the impact of environmental factors on McTeague's character development and the overall themes presented in the novel.
  • Environmental factors play a crucial role in McTeague's character development, shaping his motivations and actions throughout the narrative. From his humble beginnings to his eventual decline into crime, the influences of his surroundings—such as socioeconomic status, relationships with others, and societal values—drive his transformation. This connection emphasizes the naturalist theme that individuals are often helpless against larger forces at play in their lives, reinforcing the idea that one's environment significantly impacts their choices and ultimately their destiny.

Related terms

Naturalism: A literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing the role of environment and heredity in shaping human behavior, often portraying life as a struggle against indifferent forces.

Determinism: The philosophical belief that all events, including human actions, are determined by previously existing causes, often linked to the idea that individuals have limited control over their fate.

Social Darwinism: A social theory that applies the concepts of natural selection and survival of the fittest to human societies, suggesting that certain groups or individuals are naturally superior to others.