The World's Columbian Exposition was one of the most extravagant, mesmerizing, eclectic, and marvelous fairs ever to grace American soil. Reason being was the competition with Paris and the national pride the architects shared in their country. This fair was to show the world what the United States was capable of and to prove that they were indeed some of the finest architects and constructors of all the nations. For most, the exposition was a thing of beauty, an object to glorify and a symbol of prosperity. But this World's fair also emanated an air of arrogance and hubris, with its gigantic buildings and enormous landscapes. People doubted it would ever be completed, and if it did, then surely not in time for opening day. They figured it too big a dream and too much for such a small group of men, who were only human, to accomplish by themselves. Their growing imaginations and their capacities to create were seen in the domes of the buildings and how high they rose.
The Fair was too grand for its own good. Though it looked magnificent at first glance, and it was towards the beginning, there were symbols of dramatization and cockiness around every corner. The designers and builders of the fair wanted each of their monstrous buildings to stand out among each other and other well-known giants from around the world. Their creations had to be just a little bit bigger, just a little bit louder than all the rest. But in trying to do so, they created a temporary feat, not one that was meant to last for centuries after. The glass roof was one example of their arrogance. It was a beautiful idea and perfect for the summertime light. But as soon as winter came around and all of that Chicago snow fell, alas, the delicate glass roof was not strong enough to hold and caved in on itself. If the architects intentions were only to build something that would last for a short period of time, to give off only a moment of greatness, then they achieved their purpose. But I believe, for those men, they would have wanted their greatest accomplishments to stay around and be cherished forever. So they could be know until their dying day as the ones who created the World's Fair. But their hubris in designs and size caused their dreams to be short-lived and crumble with time.
Their creative and artistic acts were sure to be the envy of all other architects who visited the fair. And just as in other situations involving the good fortune of others, there comes the sin of jealousy and the want to be better or destroy what can't be claimed as one's own. There is almost always a parallel of darkness and destructiveness when creative acts are made. People can become so enveloped in the fact that the one thing they wish to be theirs the most can't ever be possessed, they turned to rage and angst. Defacing property is a common reoccurence or, more so in past times, the burning down of a building or statue. Also, another more hidden parallel would be to take advantage of someone else's work and use it to one's own benefit. It may not always be for something good either and cause the once grand creation to develop a bad and murky reputation. Holmes is a perfect example of someone who took advantage of the fair's mystical qualities and used its power to draw in his victims. Chicago's World Columbian Exposition was henceforth associated with Dr. H. H. Holmes and his mysterious murders during the fair.
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