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Characterization Of Mcteague

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Through their characterization of McTeague the narrator does not seem to exhibit a negative attitude towards him, in fact it is quite the opposite. McTeague is a giant with childlike qualities. The narrator seems to envy McTeague in a sense. He says that “McTeague was a young giant” not only alluding to his size but also his character. Hinting at a childishness of the doctor. The author’s diction, his reason for using the word ‘young’ implies an innocence and purity about the character McTeague. ‘Young’ has a connotation equivalent to the ideals of innocence especially when paired with such words that have a massive presence. The pairing of the two words ‘giant’ and ‘young’ serves the purpose of transferring the positive connotation of the …show more content…
He says “He suggested the draught horse, immensely strong, stupid, docile.” The narrator feels that McTeague is naive and that the genuineness of his kindness is an effect of that. The detail shown by the author offers insight into the attitude of the narrator towards the character McTeague. That attitude being one of empathetic proportions. The narrator continues to describe McTeague in a very positive light because the character could easily be shown in a light that is equally negative and destructive. As his immense size could obviously be perceived as intimidating. McTeague has one clear ambition that drives him, his dental parlor. The narrator says “It was his ambition, his dream, to have projecting from that corner window a huge gilded tooth” revealing his subtle yet very present admiration coupled with his envy. The author’s syntax highlights the attitude, or it better projects it, of the narrator towards McTeague. The word choice of the author demonstrates the narrator’s attitude while conveying it very clearly and concisely. Envy paired with admiration, the attitude of the narrator as he characterizes McTeague. Envious of the ability to be clear and concise about one’s ambitions and understand that simplicity is the road to its achievement. The narrator admires this as McTeague has accomplished a feat that is truly awe inspiring; he found his

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