The Octopus

A detailed Summary of The Octopus

One of the most significant inventions to come of age in America in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries was the railroad. It developed new forms of communication and transportation, which in turn revolutionized the ideologies of the nation in relation to the economy and social values. Railroads not only created a rush to get to the West, but also modernized the American way of life. Along with many positive aspects of this modern "marvel" there were those who used it to their advantage and to the disadvantage of others. As the years went by, the railroad industry became monopolized by a few individuals, who exploited individuals such as farmers and laborers. This "heavy" struggle became Frank Norris' inspiration for writing the muckraking novel, The Octopus.

The Octopus, depicts the conflict between farmers and the "Powers" associated with the railroads, but it all didn't come about so quickly. The origins for the conflict go back to the earlier settlers of California. The vast expanse of land, beautiful scenery, and unique climate made California a farmer's heaven. The settlers made use of their land wisely, but were overtaken by the next set of settlers, the gold miners. A lot of the money that was made during th

e Gold Rush, was in turn used to buy out some of the farmers or even buy large parcels of land for themselves for farming. Norris uses Magnus Derrick and his family to support the idea of miners turning into farmers, and in this case, a wheat farmer. Norris also depicts farmers who had recently come to California with Annixter, Broderson, and Osterman. The railroad began its grasp on California with the idea of the Transcontinental Railroad. Leland Stanford and the Big Four took complete control of the state as their "new" idea spread instantly around the west like an octopus, which is the title of Norris' novel. As they complete mile after mile of railroad work, the Big Four received government subsidies of money, but more importantly, land. In turn, the farmers and their land were left out in the cold. The railroad company, in their selfish desire for power and wealth, continually cheated the farmers, first promising to sell them railroad land at a relatively low price, and then after the farmers greatly improved the land, unreasonably raised the price. In addition, rates of transportation for the products of the farmers were raised also, in turn ruining the farmers in the long-run. With a lot of emotions running, Norris paints a vivid picture about the railroad,

the leviathan, with tentacles of steel clutching into the soil,

horizon; but saw it now as the symbol of vast power, huge

of the valley, leaving blood and destruction in its path;

Many of the novels main characters including Annixter, Harran Derrick, Broderson, and Osterman were left dead. The aftermath of these events left many people lives shattered. The Grand League lost most of its support and in turn the big business felt a huge blow in the years to come.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Leland Stanford, Henry Brewers, Grapes Wrath, Americans Depression, Grand League, Casey Tom, California Chapter, Herbert Hoover, Mussel Slough, California Instead, grapes wrath, grand league, migrant farmers, land farmers, joad family, john steinbeck, describes hardships, west california, real life, journey west,

Approximate Word count = 2400
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels