Social Darwinism In Frank Norris's Mcteague

At the turn of the twentieth century, the world was looked at as a new place. Coming with the new century was many new theories and ideas. Many novels of this time era were written to depict different theories, one in particular: Social Darwinism. As some novels are written solely fictional, Frank Norris’, McTeague, took facts and ideas from an the Sarah Collins murder case of 1839, while still adding his own ideas and theories from the upcoming new century in which he lived. Frank Norris wrote the 1902 novel, McTeague, in order to accurately portray the theory of Social Darwinism, popular in the time period, through his characters actions. One of the greatest influences to Norris’ writing of McTeague was the Sarah Collins murder case in San Francisco in 1893, depicting a real life incident where Social Darwinism was seemingly real. San Francisco newspapers were focused on Patrick Collins, husband
However, critics seem to believe McTeague is an excellent novel, as it provides the reader with great insight to the everyday lives to those living in the late nineteenth century. Critics were more or less shocked by the novels frank and graphic portrayals of violence, as this was not a common theme in writing styles in Norris’ time (NY Times). Critics of Norris’ time perceived that his naturalistic narrative style would infuse American popular literature with a sense of realism that had been lacking. Critics of his time acknowledged that readers might be offended by Norris's realistic depictions of prostitution, disease, poverty, and family dysfunction, yet they accepted his fiction as breaking new ground in American culture (Spartacus). Although they would agree with the repugnant characters and morbid plotline, most critics get swept in with Norris’ story, and most are even upset about how short of a life he