Vandover and the Brute
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| Vandover and the Brute | |
|---|---|
| Author | Frank Norris |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Novel |
| Publisher | Doubleday |
| Publication date | 1914 |
| Media type | Hardcover |
Vandover and the Brute is a novel written by Frank Norris, an American writer known for his works such as McTeague and The Octopus: A Story of California. The novel was published posthumously in 1914 by Doubleday, with the help of Norris's wife, Jeanette Norris, and William McDevitt. It is considered one of the most important works of American literature of the early 20th century, alongside novels like The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ulysses by James Joyce. The novel explores themes of degeneration and the struggle between the individual's primal instincts and civilized nature, as seen in the works of Sigmund Freud and Havelock Ellis.
Introduction
The novel Vandover and the Brute is set in San Francisco during the late 19th century and explores the life of its protagonist, Vandover, a young man from a wealthy family, as he navigates the complexities of his own nature and the societal expectations placed upon him. The novel is often compared to the works of Émile Zola and Gustave Flaubert, who also explored themes of naturalism and the human condition. The influence of Charles Darwin's theory of Evolution and Herbert Spencer's concept of Social Darwinism can also be seen in the novel's exploration of the struggle for existence and the survival of the fittest. The novel's themes and style are also reminiscent of the works of Thomas Hardy and Stephen Crane.
Plot
The plot of Vandover and the Brute revolves around the life of Vandover, a young man who is struggling to find his place in the world. The novel explores his relationships with his family and friends, including his father, Vandover Sr., and his friend, Geary. The novel also delves into Vandover's inner turmoil, as he grapples with his own desires and the expectations placed upon him by society, much like the characters in the works of Dostoevsky and Tolstoy. The influence of Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophy can also be seen in the novel's exploration of the will to power and the übermensch. The novel's plot is also influenced by the events of the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 and the Panama–Pacific International Exposition.
Characters
The characters in Vandover and the Brute are complex and multi-dimensional, with each one representing a different aspect of the human experience. Vandover is the protagonist of the novel, and his character is influenced by the works of Søren Kierkegaard and Arthur Schopenhauer. The character of Geary is also significant, as he represents a foil to Vandover's character, much like the characters in the works of Shakespeare and Molière. The novel also features a number of other characters, including Vandover's mother and Ida, who each play an important role in the plot. The characters in the novel are also influenced by the works of Henrik Ibsen and August Strindberg.
Themes
The themes of Vandover and the Brute are varied and complex, and include explorations of degeneration, the struggle between the individual's primal instincts and civilized nature, and the human condition. The novel also explores the theme of social class and the constraints it places on individuals, as seen in the works of Karl Marx and Max Weber. The influence of Charles Dickens and Victor Hugo can also be seen in the novel's exploration of the social novel and the condition of England novel. The novel's themes are also influenced by the events of the Industrial Revolution and the Gilded Age.
Publication History
Vandover and the Brute was published posthumously in 1914 by Doubleday, with the help of Norris's wife, Jeanette Norris, and William McDevitt. The novel was initially met with mixed reviews, but has since come to be recognized as one of the most important works of American literature of the early 20th century, alongside novels like The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner and The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway. The novel has been influential in the development of American modernism and has been praised by authors such as T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound.
Reception
The reception of Vandover and the Brute has been varied over the years, with some critics praising the novel's innovative style and exploration of themes, while others have criticized its perceived naturalism and determinism. The novel has been compared to the works of Upton Sinclair and Theodore Dreiser, who also explored themes of social realism and the American Dream. The influence of Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson can also be seen in the novel's exploration of the American identity and the human experience. The novel has also been praised by authors such as John Steinbeck and Richard Wright, who have cited it as an influence on their own work.