The Devil in the White City Part One Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How does the prologue set the tone of the novel?

The prologue introduces main characters and foreshadows events.

What literary elements does Larson use in the prologue?

Foreshadowing.

What is the purpose of the prologue?

It foreshadows future events and deaths.

Who is Frank Millet and what is his fate?

Frank Millet is a passenger on the Titanic who will likely die. Signup and view all the answers

In the first sentence of chapter 1, what word foreshadows the later events in the novel?

Disappears. Signup and view all the answers

How does this word serve as a symbol for the antagonist?

It suggests the antagonist's ability to evade capture. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the meaning of 'Gilded Age' and how it relates to Chicago.

It refers to a period of economic growth with hidden imperfections. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Chapter 1?

To introduce characters and themes. Signup and view all the answers

What type of picture is painted for the reader concerning the city of Chicago?

A very poor picture is made. Signup and view all the answers

What literary device does the author use to introduce other important characters in the novel?

A series of flashbacks. Signup and view all the answers

And who are some of these characters?

Marshall Field and George Pullman. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Chicago nicknamed the 'Windy City'?

There is a lot of big talk around the city. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author paint a strategically multi-faceted picture of Burnham?

He is portrayed as determined and successful but haunted by not attending an Ivy League school. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author focus on Burnham's moral character?

To highlight his confidence and insecurities. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Chicago World's Fair of 1893?

They are celebrating the 400th anniversary of Columbus's discoveries. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Burnham denied acceptance from Harvard and Yale?

He had bad test anxiety. Signup and view all the answers

Which building was named the first skyscraper?

The Montauk Building. Signup and view all the answers

How does Chapter 2 create a positive portrayal of the city of Chicago and what theme is introduced?

It shows their pride in their city. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author immediately create distrust of Holmes?

He portrays him as mysterious and questionable. Signup and view all the answers

What facial feature did physician John Capen find most striking about Holmes?

His ears. Signup and view all the answers

What was the necessary supply which Holmes considered valuable?

The cadavers. Signup and view all the answers

What allusions does the author use to help develop Holmes's character? What is an allusion?

He alludes to Chicago's Union Stockyards and Upton Sinclair's The Jungle. Signup and view all the answers

How do these allusions serve as a foreshadowing?

They foreshadow gruesome crimes Holmes will commit. Signup and view all the answers

What two important characters are introduced in chapter 4?

James Ellsworth and Frederick Olmsted. Signup and view all the answers

Is Olmsted's acceptance to become a landscape architect because of his commitment to his country and the city of Chicago or is there another reason?

His name would be on the list of the greatest architects and his works would be admired. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author create a sense of urgency and suspense in this chapter?

The economic decline. Signup and view all the answers

List some of the obstacles which concern Burnham and the other architects.

They don't have a site, they could soon be replaced, they don't have full access to the city. Signup and view all the answers

What allusion does Larson use to compare Holmes's evilness?

Jack the Ripper. Signup and view all the answers

What information does the reader learn about the serial killer H.H. Holmes?

His ability to manipulate people. Signup and view all the answers

What obstacles is Burnham facing in chapter 6?

The new theme of determination. Signup and view all the answers

Considering how Burnham approaches these impediments, what new theme is introduced?

Determination. Signup and view all the answers

What is being foreshadowed?

Root's illness is foreshadowing his death. Signup and view all the answers

How is the cold harsh weather used symbolically?

It represents the cold reaction from the East coast architects. Signup and view all the answers

In contrast to Burnham, what strategies does Holmes employ to get what he wants?

Holmes uses determination, manipulation, and fraud. Signup and view all the answers

How is the suspense building in chapter 7?

Two new women have come into Holmes's life and are in danger. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the concerns of the East Coast architects?

Will there be time? Is Jackson Park a good location for the fair? Signup and view all the answers

Explain what is being foreshadowed.

Root's death is being foreshadowed. Signup and view all the answers

What does this chapter imply about Holmes?

That he has already killed many people inconspicuously. Signup and view all the answers

How is Holmes' 'dirty deeds' being foreshadowed?

That Holmes may use the Stockyards to dispose the bodies of his victims. Signup and view all the answers

What insecurities of Burnham's resurface again when meeting with the outside architects?

That he never went to an Ivy League school. Signup and view all the answers

What incident occurs that causes Burnham to consider quitting the fair?

Root's death. Signup and view all the answers

What does Burnham decide to do after Root's death?

Continue the fair. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Prologue and Tone

Prologue introduces main characters and sets the overall tone for the novel.
Literary foreshadowing is employed to hint at future events and significant deaths.

Early Characters and Events

Frank Millet, a Titanic passenger, is foreshadowed to meet a tragic fate.
Initial chapter alludes to multiple disappearances, suggesting future missing persons.

Gilded Age and Chicago

"Gilded Age" refers to a time of economic prosperity masking underlying social issues.
Chicago is depicted as an ideal city with hidden imperfections.

Function of Initial Chapters

Chapter 1 serves to introduce characters and themes, establishing context immediately.
A grim portrayal of Chicago includes violence, chaos, and deaths.

Literary Techniques

Flashbacks are utilized to introduce other important characters.
The city’s reputation contributes to its nickname "Windy City."

Characterization of Burnham

Burnham is depicted as ambitious yet haunted by his Ivy League rejection.
Focus is placed on his moral character and confidence intertwined with insecurities.

Chicago World's Fair

The 1893 World's Fair celebrates the 400th anniversary of Columbus's voyage.
Burnham faces obstacles like site disputes and competition from East Coast architects.

Holmes's Introduction

Holmes is introduced with mystery and evokes distrust through his character portrayal.
His striking physical features, like his ears, create an odd impression.

Supply Chain Issues

Cadavers become a crucial but scarce resource for Holmes’s medical studies.
Allusions to Chicago’s stockyards enhance the understanding of Holmes’s dark character.

Themes of Suspense and Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing in chapters hints at Holmes's gruesome crimes, building narrative tension.
Weather is a symbolic representation of architectural and personal conflicts faced by Burnham.

Key Characters in Development

Important characters such as Marshall Field and George Pullman are introduced.
Frederick Olmsted’s acceptance as a landscape architect highlights his commitment to Chicago.

Challenges Faced by Burnham

Burnham grapples with multiple obstacles including site selection and economic crisis.
Chapter reveals the emerging theme of determination contrasted with Holmes's manipulative strategies.

Rising Tensions

New women entering Holmes's life increase suspense, indicating danger.
Concerns of East Coast architects regarding location and feasibility create tension.

Final Developments

Root’s illness foreshadows an inevitable death, impacting Burnham's resolve.
Burnham ultimately decides to continue with the fair despite Root’s death.

Illustrative Comparisons

Comparative allusion of Holmes to Jack the Ripper emphasizes his malevolence.
Chicago’s wastefulness parallels Holmes’s methods of disposing bodies, hinting at his criminal activities.

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Description

Explore the key themes and literary elements in the prologue of 'The Devil in the White City'. These flashcards will help you understand how foreshadowing is used and how it sets the tone for the novel. Test your knowledge on the main characters and their significance in the story.