How many times can a man be called a simpleton and idiot before taking offense? Apparently, Frank Norris was not concerned that the massive, blonde brute of a dentist he created would be coming by to haunt him. McTeague is referenced as simple and stupid in every chapter and on nearly every page.
McTeague is a huge, brutish man with only his strength to recommend him. Every character in the novel, from the friend-turned-enemy Marcus to the petite little wife Trina, remarks and jests at McTeague’s incredible simplicity.
Though the man may be simple-minded, I don’t really believe there is anything simplistic about Norris’ ignorant character.
Truly, at the beginning of the novel, the reader wonders how Norris is going to make this big, burly, bone-head an interesting character to follow. I mean, the guy is a dentist. How many of us really care to follow the boring life of a dentist? Especially one from the turn of the last century. I have to admit, I was not at all excited about reading McTeague after the first couple pages. I just don’t see how Norris can take this story anywhere with a dentist as the central character!
But, as I continue to read, McTeague reveals the layers we all hide. Poor guy, he reminds me of nearly every awkward person I’ve ever met. The man has no idea how to relate to people—especially women. He never dreams that he is in love with Trina until the “animalistic desire” comes over him suddenly after putting her to sleep for a dental operation. I nearly laughed out loud as I imagines this idiotic brute fumble and contemplate the emotions reeling inside his head.
Maybe he is a fool—he doesn’t seem to follow anything. The brute met with Trina for weeks before he realized he was falling in love—and I’m not even sure I can use that terminology. He simply felt that he must have her at any cost. Now that, is simplistic thinking.
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