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Chicago World Fair

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1893 Chicago was one of the most revolutionary times in United States history; the Chicago World Fair was in full effect and became a total success, despite those who disregarded it. Although the fair only lasted 6 months, it changed the future all for the better. This time was full of pure joy and exciting change; however, not all was entirely well in the White City. Nearly right around the corner a darker, more twisted occurrence was at large. Notorious serial killer H. H. Holmes recognized a rare opportunity to satisfy his dark fancies within the widespread of newcomers flooding the Chicago streets for the fair. In The Devil in the White City, author Eric Larson expresses, in explicit detail, the irony of both the good and evil occurrences …show more content…

A beautiful portrait of the fair is built with Larson’s detailed depictions of “the buildings, waterways, and scenery” (Larson 274) within this spectacle. The clear pictures painted in the reader’s mind transports them to this wonder-filled attraction. However, more disturbing images are depicted in subtle ways, like the fact that Holmes “often smelled vaguely of chemicals” (Larson 46.) An image of horror conjures within the mind of the reader at this seemingly minuscule detail. The beauty and novelty of fair existing parallel to the grotesque nature of Holmes’ past times can only be excused as pure and unadulterated dramatic irony. The brilliantly cogent pictures Larson captures with his words really represent the all too real and terrifying realities that were taking place during the magic of the …show more content…

The fair at this time was the greatest thing that could have happened to the United States; however, within the same Illinois borders, the worst was occurring. Chicago’s equally amazing story of murder, lies, and betrayal also became world-renowned and, as unlikely as it may have been, both stories took place simultaneously. The success of the fair parallel to Holmes’ own twisted success is ingeniously laid out by Larson and his excellent usage of rhetorical devices. Larson’s use of superb juxtaposition, hauntingly realistic imagery, and high-level language finalize the ironic nature of the darkness within the White

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The use of diction and syntax in this section creates an irritating atmosphere to stress the annoyance of the Columbian Guards. Larson’s evocative word choice for “disease” emphasizes the visitors' contagious curiosity as if they were part of a newspaper press. This displays to the readers as a stressful event for the Columbian Guards as they’re continuously “hammered with questions.” Furthermore, syntax was used in “the fair was so big, so beyond grasp” to create a fragmented and tiring effect for the readers due to the unimaginable pool of people inside of the fair. The fragmented phrases were embedded again in “it was a disease, a rhetorical smallpox” to convey the Columbian Guards harsh depiction of the visitors' nuisances.

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Describing, and living the emotional rollercoaster between each character as they grew in success or perished in horrible ways. This book transforms the human mind through each one of the literary challenges that Larson uses to make a deeper connection to the readers. It takes you to a new state of mind when in Holmes head, and gives you inside look of how, and what a serial killer thinks. Yet with Burnham it gives you a inside look at the growth of the city, and the bond between people. This book would not be complete without the contrasting of the light and dark, heaven and hell, and good and evil aspect

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The “gleam in the sun, a soft, white note in the dun-colored landscape, and the pure blue line of the lake horizon” paints a vivid image of the calm and tranquil scene Larson has created (129). Attention to color is mentioned throughout the novel to reiterate the liveliness of the city. The “soft yellows, pinks, and purples” and “brilliant blues” all span throughout the fair, adding to the beauty and lightness of the event (267). Conversely, previously the scene was pictured as peaceful and calm, but is later in the same sentence described as having a “rugged and barren foreground” (129). The contrast seen by the audience serves as a reminder that even though things may seem tranquil and at ease, there is still an undiscovered crime taking place at the same times.

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