The Day of the Locust
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Book Review
Nathanael West's "The Day of the Locust" is a dark and satirical portrayal of 1930s Hollywood, where the author skillfully exposes the illusions and cruelty of the entertainment industry. Critics note that West creates a gallery of vivid and tragic characters, each symbolizing the destructive forces at play in the film world. The novel is filled with black humor and hopelessness, making it a powerful social commentary. West uses grotesque and hyperbole to emphasize the absurdity and emptiness of the Hollywood dream. Critics also highlight that "The Day of the Locust" remains relevant today, offering a profound and unflinching exploration of human ambitions and disappointments.
Date of publication: 29 July 2024
———The Day of the Locust
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Genre: Classical literature