City of Light by Lauren Belfer

¶ … City of Light, by Lauren Belfer. Specifically, it will look at three issues from the book's time and compare them with today. It will also discuss some of the history, politics, people and architecture of the Buffalo/Niagara Falls area and what I learned about them from reading the novel.

CITY OF LIGHT"

One of the most glaring issues in this book is that of how women were treated in 1900 as opposed to today. The only reason the protagonist could have people (especially men) to her salons was because she was considered "unmarriageable." I liked to think that my Monday evening salon was the only place in the city where men and women could mingle as equals" (Belfer 12). Today, it would be absurd to think that men and women, single or not, could not "mingle as equals," but in 1900, it was not only the norm, it was required by society. Mores were much more strict and confining then, especially for women. The main character, Louisa, is a very modern woman for her time, yet even she has to follow the constraints of society to maintain her position in the town, and in the school where she is headmistress. "Mary Talbert simply stared at me, as if looking right through me - seeing my pretenses, my lies, the balancing act I performed to maintain my position" (Belfer 261).

Because of society, Louisa never acknowledges Grace is her own child, and never can acknowledge it, even after she dies. It would have meant the ruination of her career and life. She prides herself on being different, but in reality, she is just as rigid and conforming as her neighbors.

Another of the most important issues is electricity and power. Today, electricity is something we take for granted until we lose power for an hour or two. In 1900, electricity was a novelty, and when Louisa goes into a house that has been electrified, she is spellbound. "I stopped, leaning against the banister to look. To gawk. I had never been in a house lit by electricity. The change was - miraculous" (Belfer 41). The early history of Buffalo and Niagara Falls revolves around electricity - Niagara Falls was the first electrical station in the country, and so power and its ultimate power play an important part in the book. Electricity frightened many people then, and they felt the power plants would destroy Niagara Falls. This became a major theme in the novel, its central action all hinges on the power plant and the people who do not want it.

It was interesting to note that at the turn of the century, "Buffalo had taken its place among the great cities of the United States" (Belfer 11). Today, it seems Buffalo is in more of a slump financially, and is more known for her chicken wings than her place among the great cities. I also never knew a Pan-American Exposition was held there. "Most important, the Pan-American's very existence symbolized and confirmed Buffalo's new, vital place in the nation" (Belfer 13).

Another fascinating entry in Buffalo's history I learned from this book is it's dependence on the Erie Canal. For some reason, I placed the Canal further west, and did not realize the western end was in Buffalo. The Erie Canal was a major artery for commerce from the Great Lakes, and so it makes sense that Buffalo would have benefited from having the terminus of the Canal. Since the Canal is still in use, it made me wonder how big a port Buffalo is today, and if that is their major source of commerce.

The battle over Niagara Falls was also intriguing. I had no ideas it was the first environmental fight in the United States. To see picture of the falls today gives no hint to what happened there a little over a hundred years ago. "The preservation of an adequate scenic effect at Niagara has always been foremost in our minds. The Falls at Niagara are a source of daily amazement and spiritual comfort to us all" (Belfer 410). The argument that takes place on these pages could have taken place anywhere in the U.S. last week. The concerns of the environmentalists are the same then as they are now, that the builders and developers will rape the land, leaving nothing for our children. The citizens of Buffalo were frightened for Niagara Falls then, and they seemed to win a victory, but electrical power is still generated at Niagara today, and it still diverts up to 50% of the water from the river before it flows over the Falls, "with what is claimed to be no appreciable change in the scenic effect" (Belfer 843). Some things never change, and it seems the emotional fights over our environment are one thing that tie us to our ancestors.