Summary Of The Necessary Supply By Erik Larson

Erik Larson utilizes chronological order, alternate plot lines, and a problem and solution approach to create interesting plot lines. Larson implements chronological order so the reader can easily follow along and know the events as they happen in order. Larson displays two different plot lines that simultaneously unfold throughout the book. He alternates plot lines to keep the reader interested, and engaged with the text. Larson provides problem and solution techniques to enhance the characters plot lines.
For instance, Larson organizes and provides structure for the book through chronological order. The use of chronological order applies to each separate plot line. For example the chapter titled “The Necessary Supply” includes the character H.H. Holmes in August, 1886. The chapter that follows is with
the character Daniel Burnham in July, 1890. Since the story alternate plots, the next chapter involves Holmes in end of 1886. After that chapter Burnham contributes to the chapter titled, “Pilgrimage”, in December 15, 1890. These four chapters, that are back to back, exemplify chronological order.
Simultaneously, Larson implements alternate plot lines to enhance the subject matter.
One plot line is about Daniel Burnham, the architect who builds the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. The other plot line focuses on H.H. Holmes, the serial killer who pursues the fair to find his victims. Larson creates more than one primary character to keep the book intriguing. When the chapters skip plot lines readers wonder what will happen when reading about another character, therefore amplifying the subject matter. Alternating the plot intensifies the characters by not dragging on one plot line with the same character.
In addition, Larson provides a problem in both plot lines for each character to solve. Daniel Burnham faces many challenges, and setbacks while building the Chicago World’s Fair. For example, “The dome was too much — not too tall to be built, simply too proud for its context. It would diminish Hunt’s building and in so doing diminish Hunt and disrupt the harmony of the other structures on the Grand Court” (Larson 114). This quote exemplifies one of many problems Burnham faced. Burnham overcomes almost all obstacles to help provide the right buildings for the
fair.
On the other hand, the plot focusing on Holmes the murder involves the killings of many people. Holmes killed Julia when she thought Holmes could perform an abortion. After the incident the police file Julia’s missing person report, but Holmes killed her, and the police don’t know that. Holmes creates alibis for everyone he kills, so the police don’t catch onto what he’s doing. This problem resolves later in the book. Mr. Larson applies problem and solution to both plots.
Erik Larson utilizes chronological order, alternate plot lines, and a problem and solution approach to create interesting plot lines. Larson’s writing skills make this book standout when compared to other books. Devil in the White City alternates plot lines while still maintaining chronological order. The plot line’s problems become unraveled and solved at the end of the book. Larson applies patterns to keep the book organized and easy to follow.