Finally, during the riot that closes the novel, Tod fully explains his theory on "the people who come to California to die." To our surprise, they're just regular people: working stiffs who slaved away their entire lives for a blissful, preferably tropical retirement. Their only mistake was landing in Los Angeles. Should have kept flying, folks.

After retirement, these people realize they've been sold a bill of goods. Silly rabbit: retirement is for the rich. Additionally, it's important to note that The Day of the Locust was written in the midst of the Great Depression, when the disparity between the haves and have-nots was higher than at any other period in American history.

Here is another cause of the widespread disappointment critiqued by The Day of the Locust. Having been raised in a modern, media-saturated environment, individuals have been conditioned to expect excitement in their lives. But, as we all know (hopefully), life isn't like the movies. It's dull at times. It's painful at others. If you can't admit that to yourself, you're going to have a rough ride.