In Erik Larson's book, "The Devil in the White City," the author illustrates a time when societal norms were shifting dramatically. The boundaries that once defined morality were becoming blurred, signaling a cultural upheaval. Prominent figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton began to challenge long-standing traditions, advocating for divorce, while Clarence Darrow supported the concept of free love, reflecting a growing acceptance of previously taboo ideas.

This era of transformation witnessed extreme manifestations of the changing values, exemplified by the shocking case of a young woman named Borden who murdered her parents. Such events highlight a tension between the emerging liberties and the darker side of human behavior, illustrating a society grappling with its identity amidst the chaos of moral decay.