H. P. Lovecraft

Exposition) occurred. Larson uses the disturbing and gruesome stories of a serial killer named H. H. Holmes (or Herman Webster Mudgett) along with the life of the architects behind the Chicago World Fair to get a sense of what Chicago was going through in the late 1800s. The historic events that are covered in The Devil in the White City include the Chicago World Fair of 1893, illustrations of the Gilded Age in…

Never before had the United States faced a serial killer such as Doctor H. H. Holmes, his influence would forever detail and shape the American populous’ perception of evil. Doctor Holmes was a coveted wealthy entrepreneur in the time of the Chicago World’s Fair who crossed the boundaries of the law and common social restrictions repeatedly, committing horrible acts of fraud and murder in order to promote his own agenda and future. Serial killers have detailed and puzzling patterns and cycles…

On November 17, 1894, the notorious H. H. Holmes was arrested for the murder of B.F. Perry (Cipriani 1). What was first thought to be a case of insurance fraud quickly spiraled into a murder investigation, prompting the discovery of Holmes’ “Murder Castle” and the numerous bodies found within its walls. To this day, it is still unknown how many murders Holmes is responsible for. After his arrest, he confessed to the murders of 29 people; however, authorities believe that he may be responsible…

In Larson’s book The Devil in the White City, Larson portrays Jackson Park, the location of the Chicago World’s Fair, in different ways, based on the characters’ knowledge of the park. He uses three characters’ quotes and thoughts to give the reader an image of the park: Olmsted, Burnham, and the east coast architects. The image he gives the reader is never perfect, but the first impression he gives the reader is acceptable. At first, Larson describes Jackson Park as a place that may not have…

The Devil In The White City Essay #1 The majority of people will realize this book is different after just reading the first two chapters of The Devil in The White City. Rather you find out the book is being told from two stories being jumped back in forth between two totally different men in chicago during the world fair, or the interruptions of flashbacks, and little details you come across from Erik Larson's own research. This sounding like chaos Larson still has his book set up with a…

A murderous atmosphere pervaded the late 1800’s, numerous people at the time were reported missing and bodies of the deceased piled. The contribution of these victims can be linked to the rise of serial killers, especially the two most notorious serial killer in of the time Jack the Ripper and Herman Webster Mudgett, who went by the alias of Dr. H.H. Holmes. The two killers began killing around the 1880’s, and they were able to escape captivity for years. It is widely debated whenever Jack the…

When Mudgett, also known as Holmes, was little his parents were devout methodists who relied heavily on rod and prayer (page 39). His mother always wanted MUdgett to pray with her in her room. H wasn't really a religious type person, he mostly surrounded himself with poetry written by Jules Verne and Edgar Allan Poe, and he also invented things like a wind - power mechanism that scared birds away from the fields. This is an religous example, because even though Mudgett’s family was religious, he…

How H. H. Holmes Changed America and Its People Most events in America's past time have influenced some change in the way we feel, think, or react to everyday life. One thought in particular has now been etched into the minds of the old and young, which was inspired by one man's actions. Although long forgotten, H.H Holmes’s actions not only influenced the entertainment industry and brought forth changes in the law enforcement, but he also introduced a paranoia that was unknown before his time.…

H. H. Holmes was one of of the first accounted serial killers in America during 1893. Holmes was born in Gilmanton, New Hampshire in 1861 with the name Herman Webster Mudgett. Holmes was referred to “The Beast Of Chicago” also. He killed many of the cities inhabitants in his specially constructed house which was ominously referred to as the “Murder Castle.” Once people found out about what Holmes had done they had fear they never knew existed. People could never believe that a man could kill…

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…