In this informative yet thrilling narrative, Erik Larson delves into the World’s Columbian Exposition and the murders that occurred within it. Larson splits the event into four parts: the reason for the exposition and Chicago trying to secure it, the planning and beginning of construction, the struggles and tragedies, and the grand opening and aftermath. The book intertwines the lives of Daniel H. Burnham and H. H. Holmes. While the fair brought light to the dark-gloomy city of Chicago, it also brought darkness and evil along with it.
While Burnham, a brilliant architect, was trying to secure America’s place in the world with his company on the line, Holmes, a cunning killer, was busy taking advantage of the fair, leaving destruction in his wake. In today’s age, the fair or Ferris wheel may seem normal and nothing new, but the invention of it in the 1800s was an innovation. The thought of something circular made out of wood could move in circles while carrying people in it couldn’t be comprehended and it brought excitement to people.
The long descriptive chapters of the exposition allow the reader to relive the excitement of the fair. Although the reader may be bored by the long chapters, Larson strategically places short chapters with insight into Holmes’ murders to keep the readers interested and wanting more.
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Madness, and Magic at the Fair that Changed America piqued my interest when I first heard its description. It is astounding to me that a serial killer can get away with about twenty murders when those who have met him were suspicious about him.
Although the victims eventually got justice, it was delayed. In addition to that, people were still hesitant to have him hanged as he was charming. I suppose that I really shouldn’t be shocked as today, there are still unsolved cases and even worse murderers. I also have to keep in mind that back in the 1800s there wasn’t advanced technology to help solve the case faster. It’s no surprise to anyone that has known me for a long time, I enjoy a good true crime story. Ever since I was little, I enjoyed watching documentaries about murders, shows like Dateline, and The First 48 Hours would grab my attention. Although the book was fantastically written, I just found it underwhelming as I thought the book would talk more about Holmes’ murder. I didn’t enjoy reading like twenty pages of construction. Overall the book was okay to me. Other than that, I enjoyed reading everyone else’s narration, especially Holmes’. I also found it interesting that Larson decided to include Pendergast’s story in it. I think in a way, Larson was revealing the beginning of a killer.
While this book is to inform the readers about a historical event, the deeper meaning of it is the evanescence of life and how people spend their time on earth. Larson’s stylistic writing reveals the conflict between good and evil by comparing Holmes and Burnham. While some people like Daniel H. Burnham are busy creating an impact in the world in a good way, others like H. H. Holmes are busy destroying life and leaving a negative impact on the world. The theme of good and evil is revealed not only through the comparison of Holmes and Burnham but through other events as well. While both men have “blue eyes” they view the world differently. Burnham’s successes aren’t for himself rather it is for Chicago and other architects whereas Holmes’ success is purely for himself. He uses his charms and looks to obtain the materials to create his hotel. With all the excitement and stress of the fair, John Root, Burnham’s business partner falls ill and eventually dies. Burnham mourns the death of his friend and is full of despair, unlike Holmes who seeks pleasure in luring his victims to their death so he can kill them for fun. Not only that but he finds sexual pleasure in it. He describes one of his victim’s death, “…her hands began to move in slow arcs, soothing and sensuous, the wild drums silent” (148). He paints this woman dancing gracefully and sexually for him. He even goes to the extent of describing it as a “ballet” (148). Not only is the typical idea of good v. evil is shown in the comparison between Holmes and Burnham.
It’s is also shown in the description of the city. Larson refers to the fairground as the “white city” as it offered jobs, pure water, clean public bathrooms, and hope while the rest of Chicago is referred to as the “Black City”. It represents the crime, poor, and dirtiness of the city. Holmes’ hotel or “castle” is unsurprisingly located in the Black City. Holmes created the hotel was “just comfortable enough and cheap enough to lure a certain kind of clientele” (102). Unlike Burnham, who was determined to outshine the Eiffel Tower. He was concern about the image of the city and wanted to have the best of the best architects to work on the project rather than having some mediocre architects on it.
Although both men have differences, they’re also strikingly similar. Both men are ambitious, resourceful, and brilliant. They both are determined to achieve their goal, no matter what is standing in the way, they’re always able to maneuver around the obstacle or obliterate it. Burnham’s determination can be seen when he pushes his fellow co-workers and employees to work harder to meet their deadline
Larson hints at the fact that people with charms and looks can get away with anything. Serval times in the book, Larson describes Holmes’ appearance, “dark hair and striking blue eyes”. In fact, the prison guards had trouble escorting him to be hung because he was “charming”. Holmes knew how to capitalize on charms and looks to seduce his victims. His looks are often described in the book, “striking blue eyes and dark hair”. The typically blue eyes often attract people.
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