Podcast
Questions and Answers
How does the prologue set the tone of the novel?
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?
What literary elements does Larson use in the prologue?
Foreshadowing.
What is the purpose of the prologue?
What is the purpose of the prologue?
It foreshadows future events and deaths.
Who is Frank Millet and what is his fate?
Who is Frank Millet and what is his fate?
In the first sentence of chapter 1, what word foreshadows the later events in the novel?
In the first sentence of chapter 1, what word foreshadows the later events in the novel?
How does this word serve as a symbol for the antagonist?
How does this word serve as a symbol for the antagonist?
Explain the meaning of 'Gilded Age' and how it relates to Chicago.
Explain the meaning of 'Gilded Age' and how it relates to Chicago.
What is the function of Chapter 1?
What is the function of Chapter 1?
What type of picture is painted for the reader concerning the city of Chicago?
What type of picture is painted for the reader concerning the city of Chicago?
What literary device does the author use to introduce other important characters in the novel?
What literary device does the author use to introduce other important characters in the novel?
And who are some of these characters?
And who are some of these characters?
Why is Chicago nicknamed the 'Windy City'?
Why is Chicago nicknamed the 'Windy City'?
How does the author paint a strategically multi-faceted picture of Burnham?
How does the author paint a strategically multi-faceted picture of Burnham?
Why does the author focus on Burnham's moral character?
Why does the author focus on Burnham's moral character?
What was the purpose of the Chicago World's Fair of 1893?
What was the purpose of the Chicago World's Fair of 1893?
Why was Burnham denied acceptance from Harvard and Yale?
Why was Burnham denied acceptance from Harvard and Yale?
Which building was named the first skyscraper?
Which building was named the first skyscraper?
How does Chapter 2 create a positive portrayal of the city of Chicago and what theme is introduced?
How does Chapter 2 create a positive portrayal of the city of Chicago and what theme is introduced?
How does the author immediately create distrust of Holmes?
How does the author immediately create distrust of Holmes?
What facial feature did physician John Capen find most striking about Holmes?
What facial feature did physician John Capen find most striking about Holmes?
What was the necessary supply which Holmes considered valuable?
What was the necessary supply which Holmes considered valuable?
What allusions does the author use to help develop Holmes's character? What is an allusion?
What allusions does the author use to help develop Holmes's character? What is an allusion?
How do these allusions serve as a foreshadowing?
How do these allusions serve as a foreshadowing?
What two important characters are introduced in chapter 4?
What two important characters are introduced in chapter 4?
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?
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?
How does the author create a sense of urgency and suspense in this chapter?
How does the author create a sense of urgency and suspense in this chapter?
List some of the obstacles which concern Burnham and the other architects.
List some of the obstacles which concern Burnham and the other architects.
What allusion does Larson use to compare Holmes's evilness?
What allusion does Larson use to compare Holmes's evilness?
What information does the reader learn about the serial killer H.H. Holmes?
What information does the reader learn about the serial killer H.H. Holmes?
What obstacles is Burnham facing in chapter 6?
What obstacles is Burnham facing in chapter 6?
Considering how Burnham approaches these impediments, what new theme is introduced?
Considering how Burnham approaches these impediments, what new theme is introduced?
What is being foreshadowed?
What is being foreshadowed?
How is the cold harsh weather used symbolically?
How is the cold harsh weather used symbolically?
In contrast to Burnham, what strategies does Holmes employ to get what he wants?
In contrast to Burnham, what strategies does Holmes employ to get what he wants?
How is the suspense building in chapter 7?
How is the suspense building in chapter 7?
What are some of the concerns of the East Coast architects?
What are some of the concerns of the East Coast architects?
Explain what is being foreshadowed.
Explain what is being foreshadowed.
What does this chapter imply about Holmes?
What does this chapter imply about Holmes?
How is Holmes' 'dirty deeds' being foreshadowed?
How is Holmes' 'dirty deeds' being foreshadowed?
What insecurities of Burnham's resurface again when meeting with the outside architects?
What insecurities of Burnham's resurface again when meeting with the outside architects?
What incident occurs that causes Burnham to consider quitting the fair?
What incident occurs that causes Burnham to consider quitting the fair?
What does Burnham decide to do after Root's death?
What does Burnham decide to do after Root's death?
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.
