Art and Culture Quotes in The Day of the Locust

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

Despite the sincere indignation that Abe's grotesque depravity aroused in him, he welcomed his company. The little man [...] made him feel certain of his need to paint. (2.11)

What do you think it is about Abe that Tod finds so inspirational? Is it his seemingly boundless stores of energy? Is it his feisty attitude, more pugnacious than that of a pit bull pup? Or is it just that little people make good subjects for paintings?

Quote #5

In "The Burning of Los Angeles" Faye is the naked girl in the left foreground being chased by the group of men and women who have separated from the main body of the mob. (13.38)

As we learn over the course of the novel, "The Burning of Los Angeles" is Tod's masterpiece. It contains references to practically every aspect of his Hollywood life, including his obsession with Faye, his friendship with Abe, and his compassion for Homer Simpson. Because of this, we look at the painting as Tod's way of coping with his stressful life.

Quote #6

He told himself that it didn't make any difference because he was an artist, not a prophet. [...] Nevertheless he refused to give up the role of Jeremiah. (14.137)

As he continues work on "The Burning of Los Angeles," Tod starts going a little bit crazy. No longer is the fire that burns Los Angeles a metaphor—now he sees it as a prediction of future calamities. Although the foolishness of this belief is not lost on him, Tod is unable to fully push it from his mind.