Written in 1899, Frank Norris' novel, McTeague serves as a view of societal factions of his time period. Norris illustrates the stratification of society in this San Francisco community by using the concept of Social Darwinism. He gives detailed accounts of the inner workings of society along with the emotions of the time. Through his characters, Norris shows the separation of classes and the greed that grew abundantly during the late 19th century. He also gives a grim picture of survival in his depiction of the theory of natural selection. In the first chapter, Norris paints a picture of a...
economical practices are illustrated. However, the most poignant picture painted is one of animalism. The characters in the novel are driven by money and power, another theme that the reader may associate with the people of this period. Confucius said, "A gentleman has three things to guard against. In the days of thy youth, ere thy strength is steady, beware of lust. When manhood is reached, in the fullness of strength, beware of strife. In old age, when thy strength is broken, beware of greed." Perhaps these would have been good words of advice for McTeague and his friends.