Larson Blog #2

The whole book The Devil in the White City, by Erik Larson, encompasses one main event. Aside from the murders of Holmes, it is the Chicago World’s Fair. The fair was definitely a spectacular event. It had over 14 exhibits all with a unique exhibition to be viewed and enjoyed the public. However, there were many things that were brought on by the fair. Some of the feelings that were brought on by the fair were mayhem and exuberance among other sentiments. The fair not only bought on new feelings but also new controversies towards different exhibits in the fair. Some of the exhibits from other countries were considered to be too racy and sexual. Like, for example, the belly dancers that performed as part of the exhibits from India I believe. Also something new that was brought on by the fair was all the architecture for the buildings created specifically for the fair. One piece in particular that stood out to people was the largest Ferris wheel in the middle of it all. Also at the fair were many new products that the public had yet to experience. One of these new products was none other than Cracker Jacks. This was the first time that anyone had ever had or heard of Cracker Jacks. With all the magic and mystery associated with the fair, the city became known as the “White City.” Even though it was considered white, there was still darkness involved within the depths of the fair. Some may blame the darkness on the exhibits that they disapproved of. Other people may have felt the darkness came from mainly the people themselves and the fair only created a place for them to act. Whatever the case may be, there was indeed bad things that arose with the opening of the fair. Also, some of the buildings were not safe for public display. In fact, some of them collapsed and also burned down from fires. This is also where some of the darkness came from because some lives were lost with the destruction of these buildings. They were all accidents, of course, but the thought of someone dieing in a collapsed building or being burned in a fire is simply a dark and sad thing. Some may say that the Chicago World’s Fair was a place full of arrogance. Some people may have felt that we, as Americans, were showcasing that we had the time, money, and resources to build such a fair. Even though it may have made people mad, they still tried their best to represent their country at the fair. This was probably because of how extravagant the fair was, all these different countries wanted a part of the fair and probably also a part of the magic. So, yes, the fair may have been a projection of our arrogance as a nation, but the fair showed our skills in throwing a wonderful fair for all countries and people to enjoy. That is why the fair was so amazing.