The Devil in the White City captures a turning point in the way Americans perceived cities. Burnham's White City, in all its beauty and charm, truly amazed people. No longer were cities necessarily places of factories and filth. They could be places where people could go to see and be seen, brief conversations could turn to magic, and people could behold the best in human accomplishments.
Questions About Awe and Amazement
- How does Burnham's White City cause awe?
- What about the World's Fair amazes people the most?
- Why are people so easily amazed? What in particular impresses them?
- In what ways does the fair change people's perceptions of modern cities?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Fair-goers are amazed and filled with awe by the sights and sounds of the White City. They enjoy seeing the buildings as much as they enjoy people-watching.
It's the exhibits and inventions that captivate fair-goers. They try Wrigley's spearmint gum and Cracker Jacks for the first time, and are totally amazed by the entertainment spectacles.