It amused him that women as a class were so wonderfully vulnerable, as if they believed that the codes of conduct that applied in their safe little hometowns, like Alva, Clinton, and Percy, might actually still apply once they had left behind their dusty, kerosene-scented parlors and set out on their own.
In "The Devil in the White City," Erik Larson explores the intriguing dynamics of vulnerability among women during a transformative period in American history. The protagonist finds it amusing that women, as a collective group, seem to cling to the social norms and behaviors familiar to their secluded hometowns. They appear to hold onto the belief that these codes of conduct remain effective even when they venture into the unpredictable environment of a larger world.
This observation underscores a deeper commentary on society's expectations of women and the naivety that can accompany their sense of safety. It highlights the contrast between the sheltered lives they have known and the harsh realities they may encounter, emphasizing the challenges they face as they navigate unfamiliar territories away from the comfort of their home communities.
