Obsession and Possession

Obsession and Possession appears as a literary theme in 4 works in the BetterReads curated set. Each book develops the idea in its own plot, voice, and historical moment — the links below open the book-scoped theme guide beside the text.

McTeague's obsessive love for Trina, Trina's fixation on money, and Zerkow's mania for gold illustrate how irrational desires consume and destroy individuals.

The narrative centers on John Maltravers' obsessive attachment to the Stradivarius violin and the music of the 'Areopagita' suite, which increasingly possesses his mind and soul, leading to his moral and physical ruin.

Jasper's obsessive desire for Rosa Bud and his possessive, controlling behavior toward her and his nephew Edwin drive the central conflict and the mystery of Edwin's disappearance.

Erik's obsessive love for Christine drives him to imprison her, manipulate her career, and threaten violence against anyone who comes between them, illustrating the destructive nature of possessive love.