Fever 1793 Chapters 1-15 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is Fever 1793?

Laurie Halse Anderson

Why do mosquitoes appear frequently in the early chapters?

They symbolize sickness and foreshadow the yellow fever.

Who is Lil Mattie Cook?

She is the narrator and daughter of the coffeehouse owner, a teenager with adult responsibilities.

How does Lil Mama treat Eliza in contrast to Lil Mattie?

She treats Lil Mattie poorly, like an employee, but treats Eliza like a friend. Signup and view all the answers

How did Polly die and why is this significant?

Polly died of yellow fever, the first known death in the epidemic. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Carris believe about the coffee beans?

He thinks that yellow fever is coming from the coffee beans from Santo Domingo. Signup and view all the answers

What disease is prevalent, and how does it affect people?

It is yellow fever, causing fever, chills, and black vomit. Signup and view all the answers

What is Lil Mattie's first chance at escape?

She tries to get groceries and sees Nathaniel Benson. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Epler think about why people are catching the fever?

She attributes it to 'God's wrath' for not attending church. Signup and view all the answers

What does it indicate when the bell chimes at an unusual time?

It is the death toll, indicating someone died. Signup and view all the answers

How is Lil Mattie's mother reacting to her grief for Polly?

Lucille is mean and unsupportive of Lil Mattie's grief. Signup and view all the answers

How are the wealthy people of Philadelphia handling the fever?

They are fleeing to their country estates. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Lil Mattie looking forward to October?

She enjoys Halloween and the first frost. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Lil Mama collapse?

She probably collapsed due to yellow fever. Signup and view all the answers

How does the family take care of Lil Mama?

They bathe her, provide fresh air, and ensure she gets enough sleep. Signup and view all the answers

What was the farmer's concern when Grandpapi started coughing?

The farmer feared that Grandpapi was carrying the fever. Signup and view all the answers

What are three things a soldier needs to fight?

Sturdy boots, a good night's sleep, and a full belly. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the farmer lie to Grandpapi?

He wanted to avoid returning to Philadelphia with a potentially sick passenger. Signup and view all the answers

How does Lil Mattie try to take control of the situation when caring for Grandpapi?

She finds food, water, places him in the shade, and tries fishing. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it humorous when Lil Mattie talks to King George?

It's humorous because King George, the parrot, is annoying. Signup and view all the answers

What is likely happening to Lil Mattie by the end of the chapter?

She is likely infected with yellow fever. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Lil Mattie sure that the corpse was not her mother or Grandpapi?

The hand she saw was soft and tender, unlike her mother's strong hands. Signup and view all the answers

How is Bush Hill different now compared to a week ago?

It has been improved by Stephen Girard, who brought in better healthcare. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Lil Mattie trust Bush Hill despite its bad reputation?

She trusts Grandpapi and knows Girard, who is nice to her. Signup and view all the answers

Can you give an example of a story told at Bush Hill?

A dying man asking for water, with good people refusing to accept money. Signup and view all the answers

How is the barn different from Lil Mattie's imagination?

The barn is a perfect place for recovering victims with open space. Signup and view all the answers

How does Grandpapi react to the clerk's recommendation for Lil Mattie?

Grandpapi is unaffected as he knows his limits. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fever 1793 Overview

Set against the backdrop of a yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia, central character Matty Cook navigates personal loss and societal upheaval.
The text highlights the importance of mosquitoes as a symbol for disease, foreshadowing the arrival of yellow fever.

Matty Cook’s Life

Matty is a teenager and the narrator, daughter of a coffeehouse owner, balancing her responsibilities with feelings of angst and laziness.
Matty's family dynamics reveal tension; her mother, Lucille, struggles with grief and is harsh toward Matty, yet she demonstrates genuine concern.

Relationship Dynamics

Lucille treats her friend Eliza with more compassion due to shared loss, contrasting with her nagging attitude towards Matty.
Polly’s death from fever marks a turning point, illustrating the epidemic's impact on personal relationships.

The Fever and its Impact

Yellow fever presents with symptoms like fever, chills, and black vomit, altering the social landscape as those afflicted are ostracized.
Wealthy individuals escape the city, leaving the less fortunate behind to deal with the outbreak, aiming to critique social disparities.

Significant Events in Chapters

Matty’s first chance for escape arises when she meets Nathaniel Benson, a painter’s assistant, while running errands at the market.
The bell in the city signifies death; chiming unexpectedly indicates a death toll, reflecting the epidemic's severity.

Societal Observations

Mrs. Epler attributes the fever to divine punishment for not attending church, showcasing prevalent beliefs about morality and illness.
Lucille’s denial of Matty's desire for companionship with society people underscores class differences; the Ogilvies represent wealth and privilege.

Challenges and Care

Matty faces critical decisions regarding her family's well-being, contrasting her youthful desires with necessary responsibilities.
As the narrative unfolds, Matty discovers resilience, providing care for her grandfather amidst the chaos of the epidemic.

Hospital Scene at Bush Hill

Bush Hill, transformed by Dr. Stephen Girard, becomes a medical refuge; it diverges from its prior ill reputation due to improvements in care.
The narratives shared in Bush Hill highlight human connection amid suffering, revealing the emotional toll of the epidemic on individuals.

Conclusions

By the end of the chapters, Matty’s health becomes precarious, reviving questions about survival amid public health crises.
Grandpapi’s protective instincts create a sense of safety, but societal views on illness continue to shape their experiences in a pandemic-stricken landscape.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the first 15 chapters of 'Fever 1793' by Laurie Halse Anderson. This quiz features key concepts and symbolism related to the story. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of the characters and themes.