"Unstuck!" and "The Great Molasses Flood" both discuss the failure of a massive molasses tank in Boston. Write an essay analyzing the effects of this event on the people of Boston's North End. Use evidence from both passages to support your response.
The failure of a massive molasses tank in Boston's North End had a profound impact on the people living in the area. Both "Unstuck!" and "The Great Molasses Flood" provide insight into the consequences of this disastrous event. Analyzing these passages reveals the physical, emotional, and economic effects of the molasses tank failure on the inhabitants of Boston's North End.
From a physical standpoint, the molasses tank failure in Boston's North End caused widespread destruction and loss of life. According to "Unstuck!," the collapse of the 50-foot tall tank released about 2.3 million gallons of molasses. This vast quantity of molasses overwhelmed the neighborhood, sweeping through the streets at an estimated speed of 35 miles per hour. As "The Great Molasses Flood" describes, this tidal wave of molasses engulfed buildings, shops, and homes, causing significant damage to infrastructure and claiming the lives of 21 individuals.
The emotional impact of the molasses tank failure on the people of Boston's North End was also significant. In "The Great Molasses Flood," survivors of the tragedy describe the fear, panic, and confusion that ensued as they found themselves trapped in a sticky and suffocating mess. The passage emphasizes the psychological trauma experienced by those who witnessed the event, as they were forced to witness the suffering and death of their neighbors. The emotional scars left by the molasses flood would undoubtedly last long after the physical cleanup had concluded.
Furthermore, the economic implications of the molasses tank failure in Boston cannot be overlooked. As described in "Unstuck!," the molasses flood caused significant financial losses for the people of North End. Various businesses, including a fire station, were wiped out by the wave of molasses. The passage also notes that the molasses tank was owned by the Purity Distilling Company, which tried to avoid taking responsibility for the disaster. This likely resulted in prolonged legal battles and financial insecurity for the affected residents, exacerbating the already dire economic situation in the aftermath of the incident.
Both passages provide evidence that the molasses tank failure in Boston's North End had far-reaching effects. Physically, the disaster caused widespread destruction, claiming lives and damaging infrastructure. Emotionally, it left survivors traumatized by the sight of suffering and death. Economically, it led to financial losses, disputes, and added hardship for the already struggling community. Overall, the molasses tank failure drastically impacted the people of Boston's North End, leaving the neighborhood forever engraved with the consequences of this tragic event.