The Day of the Locust Theme of Art and Culture

Tod Hackett is stuck in a classic artist's dilemma. Should he sell his soul and make a living selling the equivalent of those "Dogs Playing Poker" paintings? Or should he immerse himself in the darker side of humanity to gain some genuine artistic inspiration? We think you can guess which option he chooses. As Tod immerses himself in the funhouse world of Hollyweird, gathering his own band of assorted misfits, he starts working on his most ambitious painting yet, dubbed "The Burning of Los Angeles." It's as brutal as it sounds. But here's the scary part—what if it isn't a painting? What if it's a prophecy?

Questions About Art and Culture

  1. Is Tod a good artist? Explain.
  2. What is the meaning of "The Burning of Los Angeles"?
  3. Why is Tod so inspired by the dark side of Hollywood?
  4. Does Tod enjoy his career as a costume designer?