McTeague: Chapter 9 Summary & Analysis

McTeague and Trina are set to be married on the first of June. Leading up to the wedding, Trina’s house is in total chaos. Not only are there preparations for the ceremony, but also the Sieppes are planning to move to Los Angeles afterward. There is also a possibility that Marcus will move there, as well. Reluctantly, Trina spends a small portion of her money to furnish McTeague’s apartment and buy new clothes. Because Trina has won the lottery, Mr. Sieppe does not think it necessary to give McTeague a dowry.

Marcus and McTeague still are not talking. When McTeague tells Trina about the incident where Marcus threw a knife at him, Trina is surprised and angry that Marcus would feel entitled to her money. However, Mr. Sieppe and Mrs. Sieppe insist that Marcus and McTeague make up. Mrs. Sieppe forces Marcus to apologize to McTeague, and McTeague uncomfortably accepts his apology. Mrs. Sieppe also suggests that Marcus be McTeague’s best man, but McTeague chooses Old Grannis instead. Old Grannis is happy to be a part of the ceremony, as he has always considered marriage to be a valuable societal institution, even though he is not married himself.

The ceremony itself is a success, though it goes by quickly and feels somewhat superficial, after all the preparation leading up to it. After the ceremony, Marcus approaches Trina and congratulates her on becoming Mrs. McTeague, feeling good about himself for doing so. Later, McTeague and Trina spend time talking with the other attendees, who all congratulate the new couple on their marriage.

Following the ceremony is a great feast. Old Grannis and Miss Baker are seated together at a table, feeling uncomfortable. For some time, they do not meet each other’s eyes or say a word. However, eventually, Miss Baker breaks the silence to discuss her love of children. Old Grannis is surprised but happy Miss Baker is speaking to him. However, he does not respond, and they do not talk any further.

Meanwhile, everyone else eats and drinks champagne. McTeague gets some champagne up his nose, for which Marcus mocks him. McTeague says nothing, but Trina defends her new husband. After some time, the wedding guests begin to clear out. The Sieppe family stays until the end, thanking everyone for coming. Marcus says goodbye to the Sieppes, knowing he will not see them for some time, as he has decided not to move with them to Los Angeles. As everyone says goodbye, McTeague stands alone in a corner, upset that everyone is saying farewell to Trina and the Sieppes, but no one has spoken to him.

When everyone else is gone, Trina says goodbye to her family, asking Mrs. Sieppe to write to her often. Mrs. Sieppe cries and tells McTeague that one day he will have a daughter and know how she feels. As the Sieppes leave, Trina wonders when she will see them again. She realizes that she is now alone with McTeague and, suddenly, a jolt of fear courses through her body. She looks around at the empty room and feels terribly isolated.

Later, when Trina sees McTeague in their bedroom, she feels afraid of him. When he comes near her, she moves backward and vocalizes her fear. McTeague tells her that there is nothing to be afraid of and promises not to hurt her. Ignoring Trina’s fear, McTeague grabs her and pulls her tightly to him. Then, he kisses her on the mouth. Trina feels herself falling in love with McTeague all over again. She holds him tightly and whispers in his ear that he must be good to her because he is the only important person she has left in her life.