After the fair ended, ray stannard baker noted "what a human downfall after the magnificence and prodigality of the world's fair which has so recently closed its doors! heights of splendor, pride, exaltation in one month: depths of wretchedness, suffering, hunger, cold, in the next". in what ways does the fair bring into focus the extreme contrasts of the late 1800s?

The phrase comes from the novel “The Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson and the fair refers to the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.  

The fair, along with similar fairs that were organized around the world during that period (such as The Great Exhibition of London), was meant to show the wonders that modernity would bring. Recent advancements in transportation, communications and technology were exhibited. Engineering projects and architecture had a central place, as is evident in the character of Daniel H. Burnham. The fair promised modernity and progress.

However, during this time period (referred to as The Gilded Era in the US), cities were experiencing major urban problems. Massive immigration and migration from rural to urban areas caused problems of marginalization. Crime, economic inequality and rampant crime were also of concern to citizens.

The promises of progress that the fair provided thus contrasted with the reality of most residents of the city.