The Devil in the White City Lesson Plan

Who is Benjamin Pitezel? Why is he important in Holmes's life and career?

Benjamin Pitezel is a carpenter Holmes hires in 1889 and who quickly becomes Holmes's friend and all-round assistant. Holmes pays for his alcoholism treatment; he says he does this out of kindness, but it is also no doubt useful to have Pitezel indebted to him. It is Pitezel who lets Holmes know of Emeline's existence and facilitates her travel to Chicago. Essentially, Pitezel becomes Holmes's accomplice in numerous scams and crimes until Holmes kills Pitezel himself in a life insurance scheme.

How do labor issues and technological challenges begin to interfere with the building of the White...