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Trina And Mcteague Analysis

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The theory of Social Darwinism states that in a society, the strongest and most well-fit humans will survive and the weak will die out. These ideas became well known in the late nineteenth century after they arose from Charles Darwin’s popular theory of natural selection. Novelist Frank Norris incorporated Social Darwinism into his work to show how certain classes and races dominate due to their biologically superior qualities. Norris believed that if a man tried to change the social status that he inherited at birth, he would eventually be brought back to the class that he was born into. In McTeague, Norris’ view of survival of the fittest is shown through the downfall of McTeague and Trina and the success of Miss Baker and Old Grannis. Although McTeague and Trina are thought to be superior due to their European race, they experience a downfall when they attempt to change their position in society. After Trina wins a large sum of money in the lottery, the couple is suddenly rich and higher in social class than ever before. Despite this newly won fortune, McTeague and Trina face financial ruin after Trina becomes stingy and greedy. Once her strict money saving tactics worsen, McTeague loses his job and begins to drink. …show more content…

The two elderly Europeans finally became well acquainted when Miss Baker found the courage to bring Old Grannis a cup of tea. After feeling regret for giving up his favorite hobby for a large sum of money, Grannis’ emptiness is filled by the presence and love of Miss Baker. The union between these two characters ends in success because instead of focusing on money, their main goal is true love. Norris incorporates these characters into McTeague to show how their biologically superior traits allow them to disregard material wants and focus on more important things, such as love and

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