Questions and Answers
Where does Matilda live?
Philadelphia
What business does Matilda's family own?
A Coffee House
Who is Silas?
The family cat
What happened to Matilda's father?
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Who is King George?
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Explain how Eliza is treated in society and how she was able to earn her freedom.
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What future does Matilda dream of for herself?
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Why doesn't Polly show up for work?
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Describe the atmosphere of Matilda's family business in the afternoon.
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What rumor is circulating in the city?
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Why is Matilda's mother thinking of sending her to live with a family friend in the country?
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How does Matilda's mother feel about the boy Matilda has a crush on?
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Aside from telling the time, why do church bells ring?
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How is the community dealing with the many deaths that have been occurring?
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Study Notes
Setting and Characters
- Matilda lives in Philadelphia during the late 18th century.
- Matilda's family owns a coffee house, a vital gathering place for the community.
- Silas is the family's pet cat, contributing to the home's familiarity and warmth.
- Matilda's father tragically died after falling from a ladder, impacting the family dynamic.
Important Individuals
- King George is Grandfather's parrot, representing a touch of humor and companionship in the family.
- Eliza is a free black woman who has earned her freedom through her husband’s financial support, highlighting themes of autonomy and social status.
Social Commentary
- Eliza is treated kindly in society, yet her status as a black woman reflects prevailing social patterns of the time.
- Matilda dreams of a brighter future for herself, specifically aspiring to visit Paris, signifying her yearning for adventure and opportunity.
Major Events
- Polly, a character working at the coffee house, has succumbed to yellow fever, a grim indicator of the disease’s impact on the community.
- The atmosphere in the coffee house is vibrant yet concerning, filled with patrons smoking and socializing amid rising health fears.
Community Response to Crisis
- A rumor circulates in Philadelphia that the President has returned to Virginia, reflecting public anxiety and speculation during a time of fear.
- Matilda's mother considers sending her away to a family friend in the countryside to protect her from illness, showcasing parental instincts during a crisis.
- Matilda's mother disapproves of her association with a boy, pushing her to focus on more socially acceptable relationships, indicative of class pressures.
- Church bells ring not only to mark the time but also to announce deaths, emphasizing the pervasive loss felt in the community as they reflect how long individuals lived.
- The community's response to the numerous deaths involves avoidance of the river, suggesting a collective, fearful reaction to the epidemic.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the first five chapters of 'Fever 1793' through these flashcards. Learn about the main characters, settings, and important events that shape Matilda's story in Philadelphia. Perfect for students seeking to enhance their understanding of this historical novel.
