Frank Norris Quotes

A collection of quotes by Frank Norris.

Frank Norris (1870-1902) was an American writer and journalist known for his insightful novels exploring social issues of his time.

Born in Chicago, Norris moved to California with his family at a young age. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, and later studied painting in Paris. However, his true passion lay in writing, and he returned to the United States to pursue a career in journalism. Norris worked as a war correspondent during the Spanish-American War, which led to his developing a strong interest in politics and social reform.

Norris gained literary recognition through his insightful portrayal of American society, particularly in his trilogy of novels, "The Epic of the Wheat." The first novel in the trilogy, "The Octopus: A Story of California" (1901), deals with the conflicts between farmers and railroad companies, highlighting the exploitation of workers by powerful corporations. This work firmly established Norris as a leading figure in naturalistic literature.

His other notable novel, "McTeague" (1899), tells the story of a dentist whose life spirals into tragedy due to his innate greed and the harsh environment in which he lives. This novel, known for its vivid depiction of San Francisco's seedy underbelly, continues to be regarded as one of the most significant naturalistic works in American literature.

Tragically, Norris died at the age of 32 from appendicitis, before he could fully realize his potential as a writer. Nonetheless, his contributions to social realism and naturalism in American literature continue to be celebrated.