The Day of the Locust Chapter 6 Quotes

The Day of the Locust Chapter 6 Quotes

How we cite the quotes:
(Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote 1

At first glance this man seemed an exact model for the kind of person who comes to California to die [...] down to the fever eyes and unruly hands. (6.17)

Although Tod ultimately concludes that Homer didn't "come to California to die," we think he might want a second opinion. Sure, there are things that set Homer apart—he actually enjoys boredom, for instance—but the similarities are too plentiful to be ignored.

Quote 2

On stage he was a complete failure and knew it. Yet he claimed to have once come very close to success. (6.7)

Sounds like a real charmer. Although he has long since retired from the clowning game, Harry is unable to forget about his past and stop wondering what his career could have been. Over time, this eats away at him.

Quote 3

After trying to get a job by inserting a small advertisement in Variety ("...'some producer should put Mr. Greener into a big revue…' The Times"), he had come to Hollywood. (6.15)

Of course, Harry conveniently leaves out the part that says this would in fact be a bad idea, but the guy tends to play fast and loose with the truth. After all, how valuable is truth if it doesn't help you get to where you're going? One might make an argument about "morality" or something, but morality isn't worth much in Hollywood.