McTeague is a novel by Frank Norris. First published in 1899, it is set in San Francisco. The protagonist is a simple dentist named McTeague. The narrator never reveals McTeague's first name; he is referred to only as "Mac" by the other characters in the novel. In Erich von Stroheim's film adaptation, Greed, his first name is said to be John at one point, but there is no basis for this in the novel. The novel was also the basis of an opera by Robert Altman, William Bolcom, and Arnold Weinstein.
(This summarizes the main plot only: there are two subplots, each of which contrasts with the main plot but only slightly interacts with it.)
McTeague is happy with his current life as he has a limited intellect and has done very well for himself, particularly considering his upbringing in a poor miner's family. This all changes when he is introduced to Trina, the cousin of Marcus, McTeague's best friend. Initially, Marcus is courting Trina, but he steps aside after McTeague becomes...
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