Question

What are the motives of the main character in the movie "greed" directed by Erich von Strheim? Does the ending support psychological egoism or not?

Answer 1

The movie "greed", is based on the Novel "McTeague", written in 1899. The main character is McTeague, son of an alcoholic miner. In a place and time where there was a big separation of classes,and where, the lower classes had tough lives, it was but natural for him to desire a better lifestyle. So, when he get the opportunity of meeting a traveling dentist, he grabs it with both the hands, and learns the art of dentistry.

He moved to San Francisco for better opportunities and better standard of living. As he started to practice dentistry, he enjoyed life, became a more cultured person. It is very evident that his main motives were survival and materialistic pleasures. He was fascinated with good lifestyle, and even changed himself accordingly. He also doesn't miss the opportunity to marry one of his patients, whom he falls slowly in love with. The ending, does not support psychological egoism. In the end, McTeague is stranded in the desert without any help. And, most likely his end would be unfortunate. McTeague's, greed has led him to ultimate despair in the end.