53 pages • 1 hour read
Frank NorrisThe Octopus: A Story of California
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1901A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Octopus by Frank Norris, set in California's San Joaquin Valley, portrays the conflict between wheat farmers and the powerful Pacific and Southwestern Railroad. Through characters like Presley, Annixter, and Magnus Derrick, the novel explores themes of individualism facing corporate oppression, leading to a violent confrontation that results in significant loss and societal change. The narrative includes sensitive depictions of violence, death, and economic hardship.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Frank Norris's The Octopus delves into the exploitation of California wheat farmers by a powerful railroad monopoly. Critics praise its vivid depiction of economic struggles and the naturalistic writing style. However, some find its pacing uneven and character development lacking. Overall, it's valuable for its historical context and social critique.
Who Should Read The Octopus?
Fans of The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck and McTeague by Frank Norris will be drawn to The Octopus. This novel appeals to readers interested in social justice, economic struggle, and the gritty realism of late 19th-century America. Norris's incisive portrayal of corruption and its impact on farmers offers a riveting historical perspective.