The Wife of Chino

Benjamin Franklin Norris was an American writer and journalist in a period of “Progressive Era”. He was the first author who brought French naturalism in American literature. Norris was not a supporter of socialism as a political system, but his works were in a socialist orientation and inspired many progressive writers. Darwinian Theory of evolution and some Spencer’s articles made a huge influence on his works.

Young Lockwood lives in the remote place of Gravel Mine. This place has “its own dramas as well--little complications that developed with the swiftness of whirlpools, and that trended toward culmination with true Western directness”. Lockwood falls in love with the wife of his employee, Chino Zavalla. Felice is tall and slender Mexican-Spanish beauty, with black hair and green eyes. Their affair constantly progresses, once “Lockwood swore between his teeth that she should be his wife”, no matter what. By a twist of fate, a criminal named Reno Kid interferes in this love triangle. The lovers will be happy soon. However, someone has to die.