Summary Initially, Chapter 54 takes the form of a tribute to the fair and its impact on Chicago, the nation, and the world for years to come. The inspiration for the creation of Oz and some of Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous architectural designs are attributed to the fair. The fields […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Epilogue: Chapters 54-57 – The Fair, Recessional, Holmes, Aboard the OlympicSummary and Analysis Part IV: Chapters 50-53 – The Tenant, A Lively Corpse, All the Weary Days”, Malice Aforethought”
Summary In Chapter 50, Geyer travels to Toronto to continue his search for clues about Holmes’s past. He and a Toronto detective find that Holmes and his entourage had stayed there, again in three different hotels, each party not knowing about the other. As Geyer contemplates what drives Holmes, he […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part IV: Chapters 50-53 – The Tenant, A Lively Corpse, All the Weary Days”, Malice Aforethought”Summary and Analysis Part IV: Chapter 49 – Moyamensing Prison
Summary While Geyer goes on his Midwest quest to retrace Holmes’s recent steps, Holmes remains in prison in Philadelphia. He begins to manipulate prison life to suit his needs, and he gets what he wants, such as a newspaper to follow his growing fame and Geyer’s search for more information. […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part IV: Chapter 49 – Moyamensing PrisonSummary and Analysis Part IV: Chapter 48 – Property of H.H. Holmes
Summary It is June 1895, and over two years has passed since the opening of the fair. Chapter 48 introduces a new character, detective Frank Geyer of the Philadelphia police department. Geyer, a seasoned detective, has a new assignment: H.H. Holmes. H.H. Holmes is in Philadelphia police custody for faking […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part IV: Chapter 48 – Property of H.H. HolmesSummary and Analysis Part III: Chapters 44-47 – Toward Triumph, Departures, Nightfall, The Black City
Summary Chapter 44 marks a history-making day at the fair. In a promotional effort, Millet designates October 9 as Chicago Day, and Harrison requests that businesses shut down in honor and celebration. Chicago Day puts the fair at record attendance; approximately 750,000 people attend in a single day. The outpouring […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapters 44-47 – Toward Triumph, Departures, Nightfall, The Black CitySummary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 43 – Prendergast
Summary Prendergast makes a trip to City Hall to inquire as to why he has not yet been appointed to corporation counsel under the Harrison administration. Upon entering the building, he introduces himself to the clerk as the future corporation counsel, causing the clerk to laugh. Prendergast asks to see […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 43 – PrendergastSummary and Analysis Part III: Chapters 41-42 – Love, Freaks
Summary Chapter 41 covers the courtship of three couples. First, the narrative describes how the famous writer Theodore Dreiser courts a reluctant school teacher from St. Louis at the fair, a woman who eventually agrees to marry the American novelist. The chapter then shifts focus to Holmes, his new love […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapters 41-42 – Love, FreaksSummary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 40 – Storm and Fire
Summary Mid-July, a violent storm wreaks havoc on the fair. The wicked weather damages several of the fair’s buildings and exhibits, including the hot air balloon that essentially disintegrates in the high winds. The next day, as Burnham monitors repairs, another fire breaks out in the Cold Storage Building. The […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 40 – Storm and FireSummary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 39 – Claustrophobia
Summary Holmes takes Anna to the pharmacy building, gives her the tour, leads her to his office, and locks her in his vault. He listens as she knocks on the door and walls of the vault. All the while, Anna thinks she is accidentally shut in there and that Holmes […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 39 – ClaustrophobiaSummary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 38 – Worry
Summary The fair’s attendance hits a daily record of 250,000 to 300,000 people on July 4th. However, in the days following, attendance again plummets to a fraction of what it was on that record-setting day. Burnham and other key stakeholders feel a sense of urgency. Burnham decides that in order […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 38 – Worry