The Octopus : A Story of California by Frank Norris
(4 User reviews)
866
Norris, Frank, 1870-1902
English
"The Octopus: A Story of California" by Frank Norris is a novel written during the late 19th century. The narrative follows Presley, a poet reflecting on his quest for a grand subject to write about, amid the turmoil and complexities of agricultural life in California's San Joaquin Valley. Initially, he aims to capture the essence of the West and i...
particularly the struggles against railroad monopolies and drought conditions. The beginning of the novel introduces Presley, who sets off on a cycling journey to Guadalajara but becomes embroiled in the conflicts faced by farmers in the region. He interacts with various characters, such as the German ranch hand Hooven and Harran Derrick, the son of a ranch owner, revealing the underlying tensions due to failed crops and plans for crop management. As Presley navigates through this landscape, he confronts both the romanticized beauty of the California countryside and the stark realities of agricultural economics, foreshadowing the conflict between individuals and the larger societal forces represented by the metaphorical "Octopus" of the railroads. This interplay of character, setting, and conflict underscores the thematic depth that Norris explores throughout the work. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Patricia Martinez
3 weeks agoHonestly, the atmosphere created by the descriptive language is totally immersive. A perfect companion for a quiet weekend.
Paul Sanchez
2 months agoAs someone who reads a lot, the character development is subtle yet leaves a lasting impact. Truly inspiring.
Linda White
5 days agoI didn't expect much, but the attention to historical detail adds a layer of realism that is rare. A true masterpiece of its kind.
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Mark Gonzalez
3 months agoMy professor recommended this and the diagrams and footnotes included in this version are very helpful. A solid resource I will return to often.