McTeague
What is McTeague about?
McTeague (1899) is Frank Norris’s most famous novel, a naturalist masterpiece about a San Francisco dentist whose life is destroyed by greed. McTeague, a simple, physically powerful man, marries Trina, who wins a lottery. Her obsessive hoarding of the money and his descent into alcoholism and violence drive them both to ruin, culminating in one of American fiction’s most memorable final scenes in Death Valley. The novel was adapted by Erich von Stroheim into the legendary silent film Greed.
Main themes in McTeague
Greed
Greed emerges as a defining element in McTeague, shaping character development.
Naturalism
The theme of naturalism weaves through McTeague, adding depth to its narrative.
San Francisco
San Francisco emerges as a defining element in McTeague, shaping character development.
Dental practice
The presence of dental practice in McTeague connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Why McTeague is still relevant today
McTeague is a landmark of American naturalism whose portrait of greed and destruction retains its shocking power. Read it free online on TextStack.
More by this author
Frequently Asked Questions
What is McTeague about?
A simple San Francisco dentist’s life is destroyed when his wife’s lottery winnings unleash a spiral of greed, alcoholism, and violence ending in Death Valley.
Where can I read McTeague online?
You can read McTeague by Frank Norris free online on TextStack.