Frank NorrisFrank Norris (1870-1902) was an American novelist and journalist whose work helped establish literary naturalism as a major force in American fiction. Influenced by Émile Zola and other European realists, Norris explored themes of social determinism,violence, greed, economic power, and the conflict between civilisation and primal instinct.His major works include McTeague, The Octopus, and The Pit, novels noted for their vivid realism, emotional intensity, and broad social vision. Though his career was cut short by his early death, Norris exerted a major influence upon twentieth-century American literature and the development of realist and naturalist fiction. Read More Read Less