From Dark to Light
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson is a coming of age story for the city of Chicago. Chicago in the 1890s was filled with crime and death mostly due to diease, train accidents, robbery, and murder. The city was seen as a dark place, and not as respected as other east coast cities like New York. But with the growing population, especially of young women the city wanted to change, the city of Chicago wanted to be highly regarded. They wanted to change their dark skies into the “white city”.
On February 24, 1890 was the day before the winning of the World’s Fair, this was something that was “So big and glamorous and so exotic that visitors came away believing no exposition could surpass it.” p 15 It is where Paris reveleved the Eiffel Tower for the first time. So for Chicago to be in the running for the World’s Fair was a big deal, the city was proud of the archtetical accomplishments made, and they wanted to be recognized for it.
Fast forward Chicgo wins the ticket to have to fair there, now they just need to decide in what part to have it. Winning the placement for the World Fair is a big deal, that is why the board of directors secretly seeks the help of Frederick Law Olmsted who is an architect for help. Unfortunately a recession is coming and the World Fair may have to be put on hold.
In conclusion, I believe because the city of Chicago is so gritty and crime filled with the honor of having the World Fair there is what will help bring the city together. The people are proud of their home and want to show it off. This is what motivates Chicago, to change into a “white city”.
Very nice job, Hannah, a great start to writing about and understanding our latest book!
Very nice job, MOLLY (!), my apologies for the mistake in the name, I had just (thought I) searched for your colleague Hannah’s blog post, but in fact it was yours. All the same, my comment stands, very good job on this opinion paper! – JM