Summary:
Examines the use of symbolism in The Day of the Locust, by Nathanael West. Provides a brief plot summary.
In the book The Day of the Locust by Nathanael West, Tod Hackett is an artist who was scouted to come to Hollywood to learn set and costume designing. After walking around Los Angeles, Tod sees people that are "of a different type"(West 23). Tod wants to paint these people who he believes came to California to die.
Throughout the book Tod's painting, "The Burning of Los Angeles", is coming to life. In the last section of the book West has Tod in a mob scene. Tod is painting the people he has met. He is painting Faye; "Faye ran proudly throwing her knees high. Harry stumbled along behind her, holding unto his beloved derby hat with both hands" (West 201). This quote shows Tod's view of Faye and her relationship with her father. Tod sees Faye.....
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