In Nathanael West's “The Day of the Locust,” numerous characters are introduced to Hollywood, California, which is widely considered the nation's capital of the motion picture industry. A main character that the entire novel focuses on is Tod Hackett, who West describes as superior to the fantasy observed around him. Many of the characters have traveled to Hollywood to pursue a personal and ambitious goal. However, there is a recurring theme of failure in their endeavors due to the fictitious personalities and actions they have created for themselves, influenced by a setting full of artificiality. The atmosphere of the film industry in Hollywood, California has a great influence throughout the novel with its emphasis on fabrication. When Tod Hackett comes home after a long day at work as a set designer, he tends to observe his surroundings. In a particular passage of the novel he intensely observes the houses that are located on the canyon near his home: “But not even the gentle wave of twilight could help the houses. Only dynamite would be useful against the Mexican ranch houses, Samoan cabins, Mediterranean villas, Egyptian and Japanese temples, Swiss chalets, Tudor cottages, and every possible combination of these styles that lined the canyon slopes” (61). These works of architecture are designed to represent the diverse architectural work of cultures around the world. However, next to each other, the houses are rather imitations of the cultures they represent, made of paper and plaster. Similar to the characters in the novel, the houses try to replicate something they are not. They are there to represent the fantasy through its superficial characteristics and garner admiration, something that Tod notices and reacts with... middle of paper... and displays unusual actions. In doing so, they moved further away from their goals, causing their goals to fail. Homer Simpson eventually finds himself in an unstable mental state and has seemingly become a lifeless figure. Faye Greener becomes widely known for her sexual appearance and intimacy, attracting lust instead of her acting talent. In general, many citizens of Hollywood find themselves in similar situations. The end of the novel portrays a group of people who are disillusioned with their activities. They are waiting to see the actors of a recent film. They look to actors, their source of inspiration, to satisfy their need for excitement since they can no longer create excitement on their own. The slightest tension sets off the crowd, who are frustrated and dissatisfied with how their lives have become, and chaos ensues..