The description is matter of fact, without a shred of sentiment, yet the words carry a synergy and music to them. Norris has several pages of long-sentenced description as this, which is lovely to read. Eventually, word of the murder escapes the city and Marcus comes to learn there is a reward offered for McTeague’s finding. Setting out, Marcus is able to find him amid this vastness, and indeed it becomes "life or death." The two men battle it out, though realizing their situation — they are in the middle of the desert, and without water — one does not go very far. Conquest comes quickly for the victor, then, but the last word, so to speak, is not too far behind.
The last image is that of the small canary McTeague brought along with him - the one item that Trina was not able to pawn. One cannot deny the metaphor this “half-dead canary chattering feebly in its little guilt prison” provides. Though one has to wonder if McTeague himself really feels any guilt for his poor life choices, just regret. His actions, continually propelled by selfishness, only leads to his demise. Selfishness in and of itself is not necessarily a bad thing, if served for a greater and higher good. Though selfishness that is not served for any greater or higher good merely resorts to greed. And McTeague reveals the type of personal doom one can face on account of greed. Not just greed applied to mere money alone, but one’s egoism and personal insecurity.
While it can be argued that Norris’ flawed characters are a bit extreme, he writes them very well and creates realistic exchanges that transcend the mere idea that this is just a book about “selfish people in a bad marriage.” Despite their oddness, Norris makes it so you can believe people like this would exist, and such is the sign of an excellent writer. Now go seek him out.
Article comments
1 - Phillip
Norris did write a masterpiece: The Octopus.
It's about the railroads sqeezing the life out of farmers. But it's much more than a social commentary novel. What a cast of characters, what scenes! It's about Life (including love, which Norris had found, just before his death).
McTeague was made into a silent film by Erich von Stroheim. I've never seen it, but it's supposed to be great.
2 - bliffle
I believe that the von Stroheim movie was titled "Greed", and it is an excellent movie.
3 - Jschneider
Thanks for the comments--I was vaguely familiar with the film and will probably check it out sometime. The full version is actually available via Google Vids/You Tube.
"The Octopus" sounds interesting and I'll be sure to put that on my book wish list. Norris & Dreiser are 2 writers I plan reading more of.