The Devil In The White City Sparknotes

Erik Larson’s “The Devil in the White City…,” focuses on the life of Herman Mudgett who went by the alias H. H. Holmes. Holmes enters the plot fresh off the train “…dressed well, conjuring an impression of wealth and achievement.” The city of Chicago, at the time, was perceived to be the land for those eager and hungry for wealth. To Holmes, Chicago not only presented the opportunity to make money, but it also presented the opportunity to commit murder. Chicago was such an advantageous place for Holmes’ murder spree because of the immigration to the city by railroad, the construction and opening of the 1893 World’s Fair, and the corruption of police during the time. The railroad, by which Holmes arrived, played a major role in his undercover murder spree in Chicago. Since its’ construction, the railroad was more than just links between places. It symbolized freedom , especially for young women. Holmes believed it was better to catch his victims at “their ascent towards freedom, in transit from small places, when they were anonymous, lost, their presence recorded nowhere.” Holmes had a way of making women vulnerable to his advances and false sense of understanding. He would oftentimes use his appearance as …show more content…
Although the police were sometimes involved in matter concerning Holmes, no legal action was actually taken against him. Matters concerning the rich and the upcoming exposition overshadowed any reports of disappearances and possible murders . But for the police of Chicago, this was the everyday norm. Most officers with any type of power were the result of the spoils system, and even with years and years of experience still lacked the skill to investigate and prove the guilt of a man like Holmes. “His techniques were too new, his skills too great…” to be captured by men who were “…too naïve…,” like the police. Eventually, Holmes was caught and punished for his