In Erik Larson's "The Devil in the White City," the author explores the contrasting worlds of innovation and horror during the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. The narrative intertwines the architectural marvels and the dark shadow of a serial killer, creating an atmosphere of unease. The tension in the story is not overt, but rather a faint, underlying strain that permeates the events and characters, reflecting the societal pressures of the time.

The quote describes this tension poignantly, comparing it to the silent strain within metal under stress. This imagery illustrates how the excitement and ambition surrounding the Fair were marred by an unseen danger, hinting at the chaos that loomed just beneath the surface. Larson effectively captures this duality, drawing readers into a complex historical moment filled with both hope and dread.