McTeague is a classic tale of romance, greed and misfortune set in San Francisco towards the turn of the 20th century.
First published by Frank Norris in 1899, the story at first appears to be a conventional romance in which a couple - the titular McTeague and his friend's cousin Trina Sieppe meet and fall for one another. McTeague is a dentist by trade, his self-sufficiency and simple charm secures Trina's affections.
We soon witness the good fortune of Trina experiencing a lottery win. However this sparks jealousy in her cousin Marcus Schouler. who feels he deserves a share of the winnings. The intense parsimony of Trina, and the approval her family give for her marriage to McTeague, cements his resentment.
Although for a time McTeague and Trina enjoy a modestly prosperous marriage, a series of misfortunes results in their situation becoming precarious. Trina's high regard for thrift verges on the morbid, as she becomes obsessed and worshipful of money.
A cautionary tale of greed published at a time when a wider array of citizens in the United States had experienced wealth and urban prosperity, McTeague the novel struck a chord with readers. Its unflinching portrayal of the consequences of greed and prioritizing wealth over compassion remain poignant to this day.
