The Devil In the White City Blog #2

Throughout American history, our forefathers have created and displayed America as one of a kind amazement. Thus the world fair was born; a tool to launch our civilized country into a prosperous nation conceived on jealousy and materialism. The World’s Fair in Chicago was a monumentous event for the people of America, especially the architects of the “White City”. The men working to design the fair did so with a vision, a vision that appeared to be impossible in the amount of time given. They worked diligently to finish the fair on time but as with everything in life there were some unexpected setbacks. In the text from the book above, Larson describes the collapse of the fair’s main building under the pressure of snow and wind. Even with this delay the workers and architectures worked even harder to build a stronger building in half the time. Their determination proved successful and eventually the extravagant vision for the fair became reality. From what I understand, the World's Expo was intended to be nothing more than a celebration of the anniversary of Christopher Columbus' discovery of America.  However, the World's Expo ended up being so much more than that.  The people strived to do so much more than that.  The people saw the awe-inspiring World's Fair in Europe. They also believed they could construct the Fair on not the greatest foundation. All this was due to their hubris. The Fair engendered a "darker, destructive parallel," also because they tried building during their very harsh winters. They needed to complete the Fair on time, so that required them to work through the winter. However the harsh weather constantly destroyed buildings, causing them to have to repair. Many times they killed or injured workers. When things are rushed, destructive traits always follow. While the fair appeared beautiful and immaculate it was indeed tormented by a darker parallel. Among the happy innocent bystanders there were thieves, cheaters, and killers. A certain man by the last name of Holmes used the fair as a way to lure travelers into his “World’s Fair Hotel” where he would then murder them. Holmes is the mold for the classic American psycho, he is smart and charming on the outside yet on the inside he is something completely different. The presence of Holmes shows the common archetype of a pure “white city” tainted by the evil within, because where there are people there is evil. As within every great attraction, there is always something lurking in the dark. Without this distinct parallel that exists Larson's novel could not have been produced, or written as a factual account of America. You must accept the good, and deal with the bad which is directly established in the pages one hundred ninety six to seven. By pointing out the destruction of the fair by arrogance and to distinguish dark that always parallels good Larson's novel parallels these features perfectly.