During this time period in the United States, one of the biggest problems can be associated with the declining global economy. Specifically focusing on Chicago, the city has taken many blows as they recently suffered from a cholera and typhoid outbreak due to dirty water that took the lives of ten percent of the population (Pg.109). The city wanted to create revenue and also innovate an idea that would give Chicago an attractive look. The World Fair was the perfect way to generate mass revenue and attract various cultures and lots of tourism. At the end of chapter ten, Larson seems to be foreshadowing problems for Burnham. The economy was declining and union workers are creating unrest for better pay and working conditions. These challenges facing Burnham could affect the success of the fair, but chapter ten revealed a turning point for Burnham, his pride has bolstered after grieving the death of John Root. His pride bolstered to prove he is equally capable of building the fair without Root.

Many reasons could be attributed for intertwining the story of Holmes and Burnham. The story of Holmes is based on a true story that occurred in the World Fair and is also referred to as America’s first serial killer. This aspect alone creates a thrilling story to fuse with the creation of the fair. I also think Larson is using Holmes to amplify similar characteristics with Burnham and the city itself, while drastically different actions are taken between both characters.