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Chapter 6
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in McTeague, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Greed and Self-Destruction
Naturalism
Gender Stereotypes
Class Struggle
Isolation vs. Connection
Summary
Analysis
Trina is in a state of disbelief. She does not think it is possible she actually won. However, Maria and Marcus have already invited a lottery agent over to the apartment building, and he confirms that it is true. Marcus steps forward and immediately shakes Maria’s hand, congratulating her. Then, everyone in the building celebrates. Even Old Grannis and Miss Baker join, though they feel awkward in each other’s company. Even though they live in adjoining rooms, the two rarely spend any quality time together.
The celebration highlights themes of fortune and community, showcasing how sudden wealth can bring people together. The awkwardness between Old Grannis and Miss Baker contrasts with the general atmosphere of celebration, hinting at the complexity of human relationships and the barriers to connection even in moments of shared joy.
Themes
There are many stories about the lottery and what happens to those who win it. Some go broke from immediately buying more tickets, others pay off bills, and a few invest the money. The lottery agent informs Trina that she will make $25 per week in interest alone. Trina is overwhelmed but also overjoyed, as is McTeague. Meanwhile, throughout the night, Marcus grows increasingly bitter as he realizes that he could be the one coming into $5,000 if he had not allowed McTeague to pursue Trina.
This passage emphasizes the impact of sudden wealth and the various ways people react to it. Trina’s joy and McTeague’s satisfaction contrast sharply with Marcus’s growing bitterness, highlighting themes of envy and regret. The financial details the lottery agent provides underline the tangible benefits and potential pitfalls of newfound wealth.
Themes
When the topic of marriage comes up, the entire party insists that McTeague give a speech, as it is assumed that McTeague and Trina will be married soon. McTeague is shy and does not want to speak, but Marcus insists. McTeague stands up, thanks everyone for coming, and says they are always welcome. He stumbles through his speech and and repeats several times before sitting back down. Still, everyone gives him a loud round of applause.
McTeague’s discomfort and shyness during his speech highlight his lack of social confidence and public speaking skills. The insistence of Marcus and the party on the speech reflects societal expectations around marriage and public acknowledgment. The applause McTeague receives despite his awkwardness demonstrates the community’s support and the social pressure to conform.
Themes
After the party, Old Grannis and Miss Baker retreat to their rooms. They can feel each other’s presence on the other side of the wall, which they both find comforting. Meanwhile, knowing no one will be around, Maria sneaks into McTeague’s shop and steals more gold than she has ever stolen before. Then, she makes her way to Zerkow’s shop. When Zerkow sees the gold, he gets excited. As usual, he and Maria haggle over the price. Once business is done, Zerkow asks Maria to tell him about her family’s wealth again. Maria tells the story several times. Each time she finishes, Zerkow asks her to repeat it, which she does until eventually she gets sick of it. Zerkow wonders aloud how it must feel to be Maria, who was once rich and now has nothing.
The contrast between Old Grannis and Miss Baker’s quiet, comforting presence and Maria’s theft highlights different forms of longing and fulfillment. Maria’s repeated storytelling to Zerkow underscores themes of obsession and the allure of wealth. Zerkow’s fascination with Maria’s supposedly lost riches reflects his own desires and the novel’s exploration of the corrupting influence of money.
Themes
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Meanwhile, outside McTeague’s apartment building, McTeague and Marcus are walking over to the veterinary practice where they intend to sleep for the night. Both men are giving up their normal beds for the Sieppes. At this point, Marcus is not speaking at all because he is angry with himself for not marrying Trina. However, McTeague is too elated to notice. Once McTeague goes to bed and Marcus is alone, Marcus rants aloud to himself about McTeague and Trina’s luck.
Marcus’s silent anger and later ranting about his missed opportunity with Trina illustrate his deepening resentment and envy. McTeague’s elation contrasts sharply with Marcus’s bitterness, highlighting the diverging paths their emotions take in response to Trina’s lottery win. The act of giving up their beds for the Sieppes shows a temporary selflessness that is overshadowed by underlying personal conflicts.
Themes
