Book 1, Chapter 1

Presley’s interior struggle reflects the early ideology he intends for his <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/epic/">epic</a> poem, the Song of the West. It suggests Presley’s background of higher learning and intellect has essentially alienated him from the realities of his subject, leaving him unable to reconcile the banalities that make up life on the western frontier. It also immediately positions the Railroad as an <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/antagonist/">antagonist</a> to the locals’ aspirations.

Norris, in his characteristically rolling language, unveils for the first time the scope of the novel’s central, monstrous symbol. <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Character" href="https://www.supersummary.com/the-octopus/major-character-analysis/#254912">Presley</a> has just witnessed the obliteration of the sheep and lost the inspiration for his <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/epic/">epic</a> poem, and he suffers this harrowing vision, which looms over the rest of the novel. The chapter opens with Presley noticing the sound of the train and thinking little of it, and it closes upon this same sense, though Presley is now aware of the horror that grips the land.

Book 1, Chapter 2

<a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/naturalism/">Naturalism</a> focuses on the unknown motivations that direct people’s lives. Here, Annixter suffers an interior agitation at Hilma’s presence because he harbors deep feelings for her. However, Annixter, unconsciously avoiding his own inner depths, preoccupies himself with the superficial working of his mind: his fixation on the dog.

Book 1, Chapter 3

Book 1, Chapter 4

Book 1, Chapter 5

Book 1, Chapter 6

Book 2, Chapter 1

Book 2, Chapter 2

Book 2, Chapter 3

Book 2, Chapter 4

Book 2, Chapter 5

Book 2, Chapter 7

Book 2, Chapter 8

Book 2, Conclusion

Literary Area of Study

American Literature

Humanities

Books & Literature

Values & Ideas

Books on Justice & Injustice

Government & Business

Business & Economics

Challenging Authority

Social Issues

Contemporary Books on Social Justice

Fate

Good & Evil

Literary Movement

Naturalism

Politics & Government

Power

School Book List Titles

Life & Time

The Future

The Past

Frank Norris

Adult

Novel

The Epic of the Wheat

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Book Brief

Explore The Octopus reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

About The Octopus

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Overview

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The Octopus Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Book 1, Chapters 1-3

The Octopus Book 1, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Chapters 4-6

The Octopus Book 1, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Chapters 1-3

The Octopus Book 2, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Chapters 4-6

The Octopus Book 2, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Chapters 7-9

The Octopus Book 2, Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Chapter 10

The Octopus Book 2, Chapter 10 Summary & Analysis

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The Octopus Character Analysis

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The Octopus Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Octopus Symbols & Motifs

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The Octopus Important Quotes with Page Numbers

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The Octopus Essay Topics

The Octopus: A Story of California

Important Quotes

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