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.

It's helpful that men create their own, custom-designed identities to place on Faye. After all, does Tod really know anything about this seventeen-year-old girl? Or is he just making assumptions based on an image that only exists in his mind?

Ah, the unassailable logic of a man in love. Putting aside Tod's creepiness, Faye reveals herself here to have an even wider variety of identities than he does. She is an actor, after all. Regardless, Faye wears so many different hats that we sometimes have trouble seeing the real Faye underneath them all. If there is a real Faye, that is.