McTeague: A Story of San Francisco

The novel tells the story of McTeague a dentist practicing in San Francisco during the late 19th century. McTeague starts off as a simple and somewhat naive character but as the narrative progresses he becomes increasingly consumed by greed and is driven to commit violent acts. The novel explores themes such as the destructive nature of desire the corrupting influence of money and the impact of societal forces on individual lives. McTeague is known for its naturalistic style influenced by the literary movement of American literary naturalism. Norris depicts the harsh realities of urban life the struggles of working-class individuals and the deterministic forces that shape their destinies. The novel presents a bleak and often pessimistic view of human nature portraying characters trapped in a web of their own desires and circumstances. The novel is notable for its vivid and detailed descriptions particularly in depicting the San Francisco setting and the characters physical appearances. Norriss writing style captures the gritty atmosphere of the city and the moral decay he perceived in the society of his time. McTeague received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of human nature and its examination of the destructive effects of unbridled ambition. It is considered an important work in the naturalistic tradition along with other notable novels of the era such as Theodore Dreisers Sister Carrie and Stephen Cranes Maggie: A Girl of the Streets.