Describe symbolism in McTeague: A Story of San Francisco by Frank Norris

In Chapter Two, McTeague undergoes the sexual awakening of a teenager. He is portrayed as being somewhat intellectually slow, and this is mirrored in his "late blooming" with respect to feelings for someone of the opposite sex. We see him as a clumsy yet compassionate man, symbolized by his efforts not to disfigure Trina's mouth and by his willingness to administer the ether in order to avoid hurting her during his procedures.