Greed in Frank Norris novel McTeague
Greed has always been something man has had to struggle with. ... John Gower’s Confessio Amantis names avarice, or greed, as one of the seven deadly sins. In Frank Norris’ novel McTeague, this idea proves to be true. Greed is a destructive force that leads to obsession and murder for many characters in McTeague. ... He is a scrap dealer in a junk shop next to the flat where Maria, Marcus and McTeague live. ... In his description of Zerkow the author tells us, “It was impossible to look at Zerkow and not know instantly that greed- inordinate, insatiable greed- was the dominant passion of the man” (Norris 34). This greed is seen when he quickly becomes obsessed with Maria’s story of wealth. ... Zerkows actions are a perfect example of how greed can cause someone to become obsessed with money and wealth and do anything to be near it or acquire it. Perhaps one of the most dominant portrayals of greed in the novel is seen through the transformation of one of the main characters, Trina. Early in the novel, Trina wins five thousand dollars in the lottery and starts to hoard the money immediately.