Lust Quotes in The Day of the Locust

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

Perhaps Faye also worked for Mrs. Jenning. If so, for thirty dollars… (5.37)

Gross. Tod's obsession with Faye has grown to such staggering proportions that he even fantasizes about her being a prostitute. Because, you know, if she's a prostitute, then he could just pay…

Quote #5

How bold the creature was! She was drunk, of course, but not so drunk that she didn't know what she was doing. He hurriedly labeled his excitement disgust. (8.20)

Like Tod, Homer has had plenty of battles with lust. Unlike Tod, however, Homer actually seems capable of controlling himself. But that doesn't mean he escapes scot-free: although he turns down the woman's advances, he's haunted by the thought of what could have been.

Quote #6

Although she was seventeen, she was dressed like a child of twelve in a white cotton dress with a blue sailor collar. Her long legs were bare and she had blue sandals on her feet. (11.77)

We've included this passage because it's the first mention of Faye's age. This completely changes our perception of her: if we had known that she was seventeen right from the get-go, we'd have been a lot more critical of Tod's obsession. It's also worth noting that Faye looks even younger than she really is, which makes us think that her innocence only makes her more desirable in the eyes of lonely, lusty men.