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Some Dreamers Of The Golden Dream: Imagery

Some Dreamers of the Golden Dream: Imagery


In "Some Dreamers of the Golden Dream," the author Didion uses fiery
imagery to parallel the San Bernardino Valley to hell.  It is a place where the
"hills blaze up spontaneously," and "every voice seems a scream." (p.3)  Didions
hellish descriptions of the geography reflect the culture of San Bernardino
Valley.  It is "where the hot wind blows and the old ways do not seem relevant,
where the divorce rate is double the national average." (p.4)  In this culture,
the importance of  the "old ways," such as a long-lasting marriage, are
devalued.  It is a society where the "dream [is] teaching the dreamers how to
live," (p.17) and where reality doesn't
hamper peoples obsessions and greediness. 
In the essay "Some Dreamers of the Golden Dream," the San Bernardino Valleys
self-indulgent culture devaluates societys morals and ethics such as religion,
law, love, and life.

In the San Bernardino Valley, tele-evangelism, Christian gospel spread
through television, is prominent.  It is "the California where it is easy to
Dial-A-Devotion, but hard to buy a book." (p.4)  It is a society where anyone
with money can buy a devotion to God with the dialing of a number.  The usage of
religion as a money-making business defiles the sanctity of societys most sacred
and cherished belief.  However, money is made so morals and ethics are ignored. 
Another example of this immorality is Edward Foley, Lucilles Millers attorney. 
He says, "We dont want to give away what we can sell," (p.27) referring to
information about Lucille Miller and the death of her husband.  Edward Foley, a
man only looking to benefit himself, shows no respect or regard for the Lucille
Miller tragedy.  Two people are killed and one person is sent to an institution
for life; yet, Edward Foley tries to utilize this opportunity to make money for
himself.

Another example of a depreciation of societys principles is the scene for
Lucille Millers murder case...