Alone
- Burnham and the architects choose a style: neoclassical. This means that the buildings will have "columns and pediments and evoke the glories of ancient Rome" (1.10.13).
- During this time, however, Root becomes ill and is diagnosed with pneumonia.
- The architects continue to work on the fair but Burnham takes leave to stay with Root.
- At Root's bedside, Burnham finds that his partner is experiencing strange dreams about flying through the air.
- Burnham steps out to check on Root's wife, and Root passes away moments later.
- Root's death shocks Burnham and all of Chicago, for the two had been friends and partners for eighteen years and were responsible for over twenty buildings on Chicago's Loop.
- Does Root's death also mean the death of the exposition?
- Burnham does consider quitting the fair for a quick second. After all, the challenges ahead seem more daunting than ever without Root.
- There's labor and union unrest, as well as constant threats of fire, weather, and disease.
- But Burnham remembers that he had propelled his firm to greater and greater achievement and he is the engine driving the fair.
- He'll complete the fair, and it'll be unlike anything the world has ever seen before.