Jim Murphy's The Great Fire

Improved Essays
Chicago “A city ready to burn’’

In 1871, Chicago was a city ready to ignite from the flames of a dragon's breath flying over the city. In the book, The Great Fire, by Jim Murphy, the author clearly shows us this dragon.

‘First of all, the city was made of flammable things that could burst up into flames at any time it wanted too. Houses were wood, the streets, barns, and even the wagons.
At first, families didn’t take the fire seriously until it was too late. They were so frightened they were leaving behind friends and neighbors, some of them were even leaving families spreading apart from every direction taking turns And corners some people don’t even know where their going.

The only reason the fire was not put out was because there was a drought, strong winds, alarm failure, an engine burst, the firefighters were sent to the wrong place,and the firefighters were hung over.
…show more content…
It was one of many buildings the citizens of iT chicago pointed to with pride. Many of the fancy details (such as those above the clock) were really carved out of wood. ‘In addition, the mansard
Roof was made of tar and wood.’’ “137 De koven street-where it all it began. Original cottage in front with the door open was the portion Catherine and patrick O’Leary rented to Patrick
McLaughlin. The O’Leary family lived in addition in back with the window board up.

Party was going on at the McLaughlin’s to celebrate the arrival of
A relative from ireland. Another neighbor, Bennis Rogan, dropped By the O’Leary’s at 8:30, but he, too, left when he learned
The family was in bed.
Fifteen minutes later, Sullivan decided to go home. As the driver
Of a wagon, he would need every ounce of strength come morning.
It was while pushing himself up that Sullivan first saw the fire-
“A signal tongue of flame shooting out the side of the O’Learys’
Barn.
Sullivan didn’t hesitate a second. “FIRE! FIRE!

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