One other idea about America at the turn of the century
becomes clear in Erik Larsson's The Devil in the White City: the
"untamed" West is capable of being tamed. Perhaps that seems odd, given that half the
book tells the story of a serial killer who took advantage of the World's Fair to commit
his murders with relative impunity; however, there is plenty of evidence that proves
this is a turning point in America--and the world--for how the West was
viewed.
When writing a purpose statement which reflects
this view, think about all the ways Chicago (epitome of the Wild West) showed itself to
be cultured, progressive, innovative, and civilized. Even the fact that Holmes was
discovered at all is testament to the ability of law enforcement to be successful in a
world seen as lawless and crude.
A thesis statement for
this idea might read something like this: Before the turn of the
century, America saw Chicago and the West as a wild and untamed place; however, World's
Fair in Chicago demonstrated the West's capacity for culture, progress, and
innovation.
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