- 1. The Day of the Locust, a novel by Nathanael West, paints a haunting portrait of early 20th-century Hollywood, capturing its glittering yet grotesque allure through the eyes of a diverse cast of characters striving for unattainable dreams. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the story unfolds through the experiences of Tod Hackett, an aspiring artist whose job in the film industry exposes him to the disillusionment lurking beneath the surface of cinematic glamour. West's narrative intricately weaves together the lives of various individuals, including the tragic figure of Faye Greener, an aspiring actress whose beauty and ambition lead her down a path of exploitation and despair. As the characters navigate their ambitions, the novel explores themes of identity, obsession, and the destructive nature of the American Dream. West's distinctly modernist style is marked by vivid imagery and sharp social commentary, ultimately culminating in a chaotic climax that mirrors the tensions of a society obsessed with fame and fortune. Through this powerful allegory, West critiques the emptiness of the Hollywood dream, revealing how the glitz and glamour often mask a darker reality filled with desperation and violence.
Who is the protagonist of 'The Day of the Locust'?
A) Earl
B) Faye Greener
C) Tod Hackett
D) Harry Greener
- 2. What does Tod Hackett aspire to be?
A) A painter
B) A writer
C) A director
D) An actor
- 3. What is the significance of the title 'The Day of the Locust'?
A) It symbolizes wealth
B) It is a reference to friendship
C) It is about a peaceful day
D) It refers to chaos and destruction
- 4. Who is the character that represents the violent side of Hollywood?
A) Tod Hackett
B) Harry Greener
C) Earl
D) The Cowboy
- 5. What is Tod Hackett's initial job in Hollywood?
A) An actor
B) A writer
C) A set designer
D) A producer
- 6. What kind of events does the ending of 'The Day of the Locust' depict?
A) An award ceremony
B) A wedding
C) A celebration
D) A riot
- 7. Which character is a romantic interest for Tod?
A) Earl
B) Mrs. Greener
C) Harry Greener
D) Faye Greener
- 8. What is the primary setting of 'The Day of the Locust'?
A) Miami
B) Las Vegas
C) Hollywood, California
D) New York City
- 9. What genre does 'The Day of the Locust' belong to?
A) Historical fiction
B) Modernist fiction
C) Science fiction
D) Romance
- 10. How does Tod perceive Faye throughout much of the novel?
A) As a rival
B) As unattainable
C) As a mentor
D) As a friend
- 11. Which character embodies the theme of aging and fading glory in show business?
A) Earl
B) Tod Hackett
C) Faye Greener
D) Harry Greener
- 12. What is the overall theme of the novel?
A) Adventure
B) Disillusionment
C) Mystery
D) Romance
- 13. What motivates Tod to paint Faye?
A) A competition
B) His obsession with her
C) His desire for fame
D) A commission from a studio
- 14. What is the primary mode of societal critique in the novel?
A) Lyricism
B) Fantasy
C) Historical fiction
D) Satire
- 15. What aspect of Hollywood is heavily critiqued in the novel?
A) The illusion of fame
B) The innovation of cinema
C) The freedom of expression
D) The beauty of the scenery
- 16. What year was 'The Day of the Locust' published?
A) 1945
B) 1925
C) 1939
D) 1950
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