Devil in the White City: Expository Essay

368 Words2 Pages
Devil in the White City: Expository Essay In the late 19th and early 20th century, Chicago was rapidly growing and changing into one of the most urbanized areas in the country, especially women. Women would flock to this area because this time period brought new opportunities for them and their families. The beginnings of industrialization and increased urbanization gave new opportunities for women. Many would leave their rural homes to search for a better life where they could earn money to send back to family. They would work as stenographers, seamstresses, weavers, and typewriters. Some of these women wanted to have a new and exciting life. A life where they did not have to marry young and settle down, they were independent. Jobs opened up in retail establishments, offices, and factories, giving single, young women new options. Many states required both genders to have education. First in all women establishments, women sought after higher education, then in time, co-ed environments. The expansion of communication also intrigued the young women to move to Chicago. Despite the changes, 95% of married women, however, remained at home cleaning, cooking and taking care of their children. The woman’s rights movement also gained momentum at this time. “He stood too close, stared too hard, touched too much and too long. And women adored him for it.” (Page 36) Women were intrigued by Holmes because of his “soft blue gaze” and subtle intimacy. He preyed on vulnerable women who were in a big city for the first time. Anything that would Holmes would say to women, women would believe because of his charming and soothing personality. These women were in a new city, meeting new people and were scared and wanted someone to comfort them and tell them it was going to be okay. Holmes, in their eyes, could provide that security and comfort to them. Holmes also had a lot of
Open Document