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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 6 page analysis of this turn-of-the-century novel. The writer argues that the early-twentieth century novelist Frank Norris created a work of literature‹a work of art‹that also reflected the actual history of the state of California. Reflective of the school of naturalistic writing that was predominant at that time, Norris was intent on presenting a human story that was reflective the influence of the Californian environment, yet showing these influences within a context that touched on the relevant issues of the twentieth century. No additional sources cited.
Page Count:
6 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_90norris.rtf
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predominant at that time, Norris was intent on presenting a human story that was reflective the influence of the Californian environment, yet showing these influences within a context that touched
on the relevant issues of the twentieth century. Characteristic of the naturalist school of writing, which rejected the romanticism of the nineteenth century, Norris does not hesitate to divulge
the nitty-gritty details of life merely because they are unpleasant; therefore, the realism of his portrayal can be at times a bit jolting. Through the poetic sensibilities of the
primary protagonist, Presley, Norris weaves into this work a sense of the Old California, which, even at that time, was rapidly fading to the realities of the New California and
the railroad, the "Octopus." The first impressions that the reader receives of the San Joaquin Valley in California comes through Presleys eyes as he makes the long journey thorough the
geographical area of California where the principal action of the novel will take place. This novel has a simple overall structure that relies on direct narrative. It covers
roughly the period of one year?or one growing cycle of the wheat. The point of view that Norris takes in The Octopus is omnipotent. This point of view gives Norris
freedom from having to make all of the action occur to a protagonist or observer and also, the reader does not have to see all of the action through the
eyes or mind of one person. Often Norris will write directly to the reader, which serves to remove the reader from the dramatic circumstances of the novels action as he
or she listens to the authors voice. At other times, the dramatic action is comes to the reader via Presleys mind. From the beginning of the novel, Norris makes his
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