The Devil In The White City Blog 3

Erik Larson, in his book titled, “The Devil in the White City” describes the creation of a World Fair would take place in Chicago. This is not just any old fair though, this fair changed America and its culture through many outlets. In 1893 the Chicago World Fair was opened and was expected to out do the previous fair put on in Paris. There was a lot of struggle in the construction of the fair and even during the fair in Chicago, but we cannot deny that it greatly impacted and changed America. Exhibits were spread through out Jackson Park, and each one unique and different. Different places from around the world set up exhibits with their food, their clothes, and their cultures. In addition, different businesses and groups participated in this World Fair hosted by Chicago. With all of the different things to see at the fair, Americans, who traveled from all over the country to this event, learned a lot. Coming to the World Fair in Chicago, was very similar to taking a trip around the world and experiencing the culture of other places in addition to new products of our own culture. Not only was America changed due to the new things that were learned at the fair, but also as a result of the inventions and ideas that were introduced at this particular event. Items like Cracker Jacks, Aunt Jemima pancake mix, Juicy Fruit Gum, and the Ferris Wheel were introduced at the Chicago World Fair. By these select items being introduced at the fair, America was defiantly changed and proof is available. The proof is that all of these items are still present and commonly used amongst Americans today. Some of these items were the first of their kind, and this alone revolutionized and influenced the industries they were in. Once these products and ideas were out, the individual industries probably boomed. There not only several flavors of Juicy Fruit nowadays, but there are also several different brands of chewing gum in different flavors. In addition, the visitors at the Chicago World Fair were probably greatly influenced by the celebrities of the time, who attended. The important people, who visited, include: Thomas Edison, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Susan B. Anthony, Helen Keller, and Mark Twain. Having these peoples presence in the fair, illustrated the importance of the fair. Thomas Edison even created a beautiful display of lights that everyone admired. People probably assumed that if these famous and very influential people attended the Chicago World Fair, that this fair was pretty important. With all of the ideas, inventions, famous and or important people, and entrepreneurs who attended or participated, America was greatly influenced by their presence. Many things we have today, evolved from something made in the past. With those things created they changed America forever and they opened up door to new ideas and products that would then change American culture, and the Chicago World Fair in 1893 changed America in plenty of positive ways.

Devil in the White City Blog 2

The building of a fair, takes time, money, and dedication. A fair as extreme takes all of those things times ten. In the story, “Devil in the White City”, so many men and woman give up months of their time to put on this extreme World Fair in Chicago. The question that remains is whether this fair was put on for the benefit of the people or a result of the arrogance of the people who put this fair together.

Although a lot of the things made and placed on the campus of this exciting fair, have the guests best interests in mind, a constant reminder that this fair must out Eifel, Eifel, seems to demonstrate the arrogance among the fairs constructors. “In a great blur of snow and silvery glass the building’s roof – that marvel of late nineteenth- century hubris, enclosing the greatest volume of unobstructed space in history collapsed to the floor blow.” This moment in the story had to be a devastating time for many. Not only did it affect the workers of the World Fair, in addition, it probably put an immense amount of stress on the Burnham. He was the one put in charge, and anything that went wrong, was directed right back to him. Now that this had occurred, he and his colleges were now driven to not only make this a huge event for Chicago, but more importantly, make this an event bigger than the event in Paris. With this as constant reminder to themselves, displays to us readers the arrogance that they possessed. Everyone who participated in the creation of the fair at one point had good intention, but also had bigger intentions to be bigger and better. The World Fair was the opportunity Chicago took to show they can be big too. They can be even bigger, and the construction workers and other employees fought through tough circumstances to be the best. Several people even died in the process, and some weren’t even properly recognized. The fair seemed to be more important due arrogance.

When the fair was finally open, it was not quite complete. There was still debris around and exhibits were not complete. The supposed main attraction, the Ferris Wheel, was not completed either. Something that I found very interesting was that when the Ferris Wheel was finally completed, it wasn’t treated like the main attraction of the World Fair. “ ‘It is impossible for the non-mechanical mind to understand how such a Brobdingnag continues to keep itself erect,’ wrote Julian Hawthorne, son of Nathaniel; ‘it has no visible means of support- none that appear adequate. The spokes look like cobwebs; they are after the fashion of those on the newest make of bicycles.’” The review of this Ferris Wheel, to out Eifel Eifel, doesn’t seem so great, and with one full rotation taking 20 minutes, it is not something many even wanted to see. The goals of the head contractors and consturcters of the fair, have been warped into a view that seems wrong. This fair is no longer for the people, but for the satisfaction of themselves. This goal displays arrogance.

"The Devil In the White City"

"In Chicago at the end of the nineteenth century" many people chose to abide in this city amongst the, "gore and smoke". In the book titled, "The Devil In the White City", author Erik Larson tells a story about, "Murder, magic, and madness...". From the beginning when Larson writes a note titled, "Evils Imminent", he demonstrates how two total opposites reside in one city.

In the story, Chicago has become the host of a fair dedicated to Columbus' discovery of America and is soon known as the White City. Larson continues to illustrate Chicago as the place to be when the fair occurs, yet he doesnt forget to tell us about the other parts and people in this city. Two of the main characters in the book are Burnham and Holmes. These characters prove the diversity and uniqeness of people in one city. In the small note Larson leaves before the beginning of the actual story, he makes it clear that, "Beneath the gore and smoke and loam, this book is about the evanescence of life, and why some men choolse to fill their brief allotment of time engaging the impossible, others in the manufacture of sorrow. In the end it is a story of the inelucable conflic between good and evil, daylight and darkness, the White City and the Black." As we read on, and keep this passage in mind, we realize who manufactures what. Burnham is an architect and only wants to assist in putting on an amazing fair, but on the other hand Holmes is definately a manufacturer of sorrow. Although you may not realize at first, subtle hints provide evidence that Holmes does not often have good intentions.

As you read it becomes very obvious how these to men are extrememly different in many aspects. Burnham seems to be the determined, somewhat quiet architect who wants nothing but success and happiness. Burnham with the help of his partner Root decide to take up the challenge of putting together the World Fair in the city of Chicago. With them as head architects, and the asssitance, guidance,and advice of several more famous and accomplished architects they take on this project with the goal to make this fair larger and better than the one that happened in Paris. They work very hard as they develop this unforgetable experience for people who will travel across the country or even the globe, to attend this event in the "White City".

On the other hand there is Holmes whos real name is Herman Webster Mudgett. The fact his real name isnt used in the book as his first reference would cause anyone to raise suspicion about this character. His life story, moving from place to place, the secrets he keeps from his wife, and the suspicious jobs he takes supply us with an idea of Holmes position in the book. I think its fair to assume that he is not the character, "engaging the impossible". These two men are definately opposites and their role in the book continues to become more defined.

Satire is Everywhere

Songs like “Eat it”, “Ebay”, and “White and Nerdy”, all show how weird, Weird Al is. These songs, which are spoofs of songs, are a form of entertainment through their satirical ways. Many think it is a super creative fun way to entertain but it is not the first way satire was used. Satire, defined as the use of irony or ridicule, in the past was used in an abundance of ways.

            This almost sarcastic way of writing was originated and was used by the Greeks and Romans. Satire used by the Greeks is traced back to 500 B.C. where it was mostly used in comedy plays. These “Satyric dramas” were used as interval pieces after a tragic play. On the other hand, the Romans used it more for poetry. Also the Romans split satire into two categories, one to poke fun at a subject and the other to humiliate the subject.

 Through out the years the branches ways of using satire have definitely increased. From newspapers like “The Onion” to TV show like “Colbert Report”, our society has accepted and seems to enjoy satire. Several big aspects of satire in today’s world are displayed through television, writing, music, and randomly through out daily life.

When watching television mockery can be found very easily because in this day and age it is the thing that appeals to the audience most. Take for example, the Geico commercials, with the famous line, “So easy, a caveman can do it”. Although we may not know if it is that easy, this concept creates humor allowing the audience to associate a positive image with this business. Another representation of satire is in shows like “The Daily Show”, “Colbert Report”, and “Mad TV”. “The Daily Show with Jon Stewert”, appears on Comedy Central and is, at first glance, just another news show. Those who watch it know that it is a news show but not in the traditional sense. Instead of just providing facts and information, Jon Stewart spends thirty minutes describing the satire found in current events and by poking fun at political figures, celebrities, and even news stories. Only six years later, Comedy Central couldn’t wait to create a spin off, now known as “The Colbert Report”. Both of these shows have a similar goal, and aim to entertain people by finding the sarcasm in real life situations and news. When it comes to television shows, in my opinion, “Mad TV” is the best show to find satire in. Because of the more diverse range of topics they choose to mock, this show is entertainment to a very broad range of people. From their reenactments of the Oprah show to their political skits, “Mad TV” is definitely a big use of satire in modern society.

In addition to television shows, movies take up quite a chunk of satire that appears on television. Debatably the most popular, but probably commonly known is the movie titled “Scary Movie”. For those who haven’t seen it, this movie is has a story line of its own that is built around and often inserts satirical language about a movie, show or situation from the past. This movie, and the three “Scary Movie” that follow, all heavily deride mystery and horror themes and even refer to movies like, “Scream”, “The Sixth Sense” and “The Matrix”. 

Although we are most familiar with humor and satire shown on television, you can also find it in writing. One place you can look is, “The Onion”. “The Onion” is an American news satire organization, who through their articles, reveal a story or truth through a humorous mockery. This organization is not new, due to the article written after the assassination of the United States president elected in 1960, Kennedy. The article was titled, “KENNEDY SLAIN BY CIA, MAFIA, CASTRO LBJ, TEAMSTERS, FREEMASONS” immediately followed by, “President Shot 129 Times from 43 Different Angles”. In more recent articles, they recreate an advertisement which seems to now reveal the truth about marketing. This article advertised MagnaSoles, a shoe insert that not only rejuvenates your feet but align your body with the earth causing less pain on your body. Through out this article, it is greatly emphasized how other advertisements are built in a similar way using scientific sounding language to reel you in. The satirical yet humorous diction makes the downfalls and holes of marketing a lot clearer to the consumer.

 In addition people like Stephen Tvedten, and authors like Dr. Jonathan Swift use clever diction to make a very valid point. Tvedten takes an opportunity to speak his mind to Montcalm County about the beaver problem they have told him to resolve. By referring to the beaver’s dam as their dam problem provides a comedic touch to his response and is apart of the satire used in recent times. Another very interesting piece of writing that is the spitting image of satire is written by Dr. Swift and is entitled, “A Modest Proposal”. The author writes this proposal aiming to benefit the human race. Like anyone else, all he wants to do is help and this proposal lays down his ideas and how those ideas will benefit the human race. Soon enough, while reading, you may realize that his very “modest” proposal, simply put is to eat children. At this time, in 1729 the population had increased but the amount of food has remained the same, keeping many from survival. He begins by describing women who constantly have several children in their shadow and how they could be put to better use. Through out his proposal he supports, very well, how to start this system and everything he says makes perfect sense, yet the concept still seems unacceptable.

             Whether it is from a proposal meant to persuade others or a skit mimicking a political gathering satire is found everywhere. It is something that has become apart of our lives today through TV, advertisement, movies, and writing. Plus many of us use it daily while talking to friends. With many other societal uses of satire, these few seem to be the attention grabbers of the society of today. See where else you can find it.

"Grace Under Pressure"

In the novel, "The Sun Also Rises", written by Ernest Hemingway, there are many characters who display very similar qualities and characteristics through out the majority of the book. A majority of them lack the correct (in my opinion) judgement and constantly use alcohol to cover up the truths in their lives. Also used to avoid the reality they face when they are sober
Romero is a character that immediately stands out for several reasons. First of all, Romero is a new intriguing character to the others because he is a bullfighter participating in the "fiesta" in Pamplona while they are visiting. Like the other citizens of Pamplona, Romero emulates passion, something Americans were said to have lacked. When Brett notices Romero, what she sees in him is different than what she would usually see in men. Instead of the usual, money and nice things, Brett sees him passion and it seems to almost flood and overwhelm her mind. She is constantly observing this nineteen year old boy and seemed to find something new about him every time she encountered him. From his green trousers to his bull-fighting, Romero had Brett's attention.

Brett especially admired and goes into depth about the way Romero goes about his bull-fights. "Romero's bull-fighting gave real emotion," Jake says. After watching his performance in the ring, the other characters, especially Brett, begin to realize the intricate details of how Romero worked his cape. They realize that not only does his passion show through his bull-fights, but his movements were not contortions yet  very quiet movements. Romero's way of fighting make it look easy because of his constant calmness. In the novel this quality is described as "Grace under pressure".

This technique Brett uses is similar to the one many of us use today to choose hero's, fiends, sports, shoes and even furniture. The idea is that when looking for something special you look for that something or someone that catches your eye. When searching, you look for qualities that fit your personal quota yet it or they might have than one thing they do that really draws you to them. Brett is someone we can relate to,when it comes to her feelings about Romero.

The Execution of Tropmann, Turgenev

If you lived in the times of Turgenev, would you go to an execution? In the text Turgenev takes us behind the scenes of an execution of a man who was accused of murder, and he learns alot about the process and the emotions it causes. Going into this uncomfortable setting, Turgenev doesn't know how he feels about this "performance" that will take place in several hours. It's almost like he's experimenting, so that when its all over he will feel like the majority of the people feel. Will he feel like he's just watched a performance or will the guilt greatly affect him? Through out the text Turgnev is constantly describing his surroundings based on what is going on. When the murderer, Tropmann, walks out, when the guillotine arrives, when Tropmann is killed, the emotions of the crowd are observed by Turgenev. He compares them to the ocean, because they act as one. If one person begins to yell, everyone would yell. Also similar to the tides of the ocean, the crowd would at times get loud at times and then it would soon die down, and grow louder again. By the end of the story Turgenev doesn't deliberatly make a decision about how he feels but you can tell by his reaction what his opinion is.

Cowobys

In Ehrlich's passage, she goes on to explain her unique view on cowboys. She brings our attention to how they are seen as these tough guys, inside and out yet on the inside they almost have this innocent child like personality. She also describes how they are somewhat anti social because they spend long hours dealing with animals and working outdoors. She shows her readers an intricate, detailed perspective of cowboys who seem to be dear to her.