Muckraker: Frank Norris
Work(s):
- "McTeague: A Story of San Francisco" (1899)
- "The Octopus: A Story of California" (1901)
- "The Pit" (1903)
Subject(s):
- "McTeague": Explores themes of greed, social class, and the brutal forces of fate and nature in the lives of the working class.
- "The Octopus": Investigates the impact of the railroad industry on California's wheat farmers, exposing the struggles between agrarian life and corporate power.
- "The Pit": A continuation of the themes from "The Octopus," focusing on the corruption and manipulation in the grain speculation market.
What They Exposed:
- Norris's works often highlighted the negative impacts of capitalism and corporate greed, particularly how these forces manipulated and often destroyed the lives of ordinary people.
- He criticized the monopolistic practices of railroad companies and the exploitation of farmers, revealing the struggles of individuals against powerful economic forces.
Result:
- Norris's writing contributed to the growing awareness of the injustices faced by workers and farmers during the Progressive Era.
- His portrayal of capitalism's darker side helped to spur discussions about reform and regulation, leading to calls for government intervention in the economy, particularly regarding monopolies and corporate practices.
- His novels influenced other writers and activists, contributing to the broader muckraking movement that sought to expose societal ills and promote social change.
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