The Octopus: A Story of California

Norris posits an indifferent universe, yet the conclusion of the novel suggests this indifference results in an eventual good. How does The Octopus build this case?

How does the Naturalist instinct toward Social Darwinism explain the narrative’s focus on specific characters while disregarding others? What does this suggest about the shaping function of narrative focus?

Caraher exerts a large influence over Presley and Dyke, though he rarely appears in the novel. Discuss the undercurrents of Socialism and Anarchism in the novel.