Questions and Answers
In what city does Chapter 1 take place?
Philadelphia
Matilda and her mother live above what type of business?
A Coffeehouse
Who is Polly?
long-time girlfriend of Mattie Cook who works as a scullery maid at the Coffeehouse and dies of yellow fever.
What happened to Matilda's father?
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Why is Eliza so important to the Coffeehouse?
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How would you characterize Matilda's relationship with her mother?
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What does Matilda believe has made her mother so bitter?
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How did Polly die?
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How would you characterize Matilda's reaction to Polly's death?
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Why will Matilda's mother not allow Matilda to take Polly's family food?
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What insult does Matilda say to her mother?
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Who is King George?
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Now that Polly has died, who is responsible for her chores?
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Before Mattie's grandfather came to live with them, what was his profession?
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Why does Mattie handle the bills and the exchange of money?
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Under which famous political figure did Mattie's grandfather serve?
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What do the men in the coffeehouse say that they need to find for Mattie?
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How many people have died in the city within the first week of the fever?
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Why has business increased at the coffeehouse over the past week?
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When Mattie's mother begins to worry about Mattie falling ill, she suggests sending her where?
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Where is Mattie allowed to go when she leaves the house?
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Why does Mrs. Epler, the egg vendor, say that people are dying?
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Who does Mattie run into while she is out of the house?
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At the beginning of Chapter 6, what does Mattie vow never to complain about again?
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Why does Mattie have to rewash the tablecloths?
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Study Notes
Fever 1793 Overview
- Philadelphia serves as the primary setting for the story.
- Matilda Cook, also known as Mattie, lives above a coffeehouse owned by her mother, Lucille.
- Polly, a close friend of Mattie, works as a scullery maid and succumbs to yellow fever early in the narrative.
Family Dynamics and Relationships
- Mattie feels burdened by her mother’s bitterness following her father's death from a fall.
- Eliza, an excellent cook, helps maintain the coffeehouse, compensating for Lucille’s lack of culinary skills.
- Tension exists between Mattie and Lucille, as Mattie believes she is treated like a servant.
- Grandfather, a former army captain under George Washington, comes to live with Mattie and her mother.
Impact of the Fever
- The yellow fever outbreak in Philadelphia leads to an increase in business at the coffeehouse, but also causes widespread fear and death.
- 64 deaths are recorded in the first week of the epidemic, and the number continues to escalate.
- Public perceptions link the illness to sinfulness, with some attributing the fever to bad coffee or refugee influxes.
Social Interactions and Events
- An invitation from the Ogilvies for tea highlights the pressures of societal expectations, with Lucille seeing Edward Ogilvie as a potential suitor for Mattie.
- The mistreatment of Mattie by the Ogilvie daughters reflects social class distinctions during the period.
- As the fever spreads, affluent families, including the Ogilvies, flee the city, leading to the deterioration of business and community life.
Personal Growth and Challenges
- Mattie undergoes significant emotional turmoil as she faces loss, illness, and the responsibilities thrust upon her.
- She’s forced to assume adult responsibilities, including managing finances and comforting her sick mother.
- Dr. Kerr, called in to assist, recognizes Mrs. Cook's declining state and prescribes aggressive treatment.
Survival and Resilience
- As the narrative progresses, Mattie’s resilience is tested through the challenges of caring for her sick mother and facing the epidemic.
- The decision for Mattie to leave Philadelphia for safety introduces themes of abandonment, loyalty, and survival, as she must confront the possibility of leaving her mother behind.
- Grandfather develops a cough, raising concerns about his health and survival as they attempt to escape the city.
Symbolism and Foreshadowing
- King George, the parrot, symbolizes the confinement and unrest within Mattie's life amidst the epidemic.
- The narrative uses foreshadowing, as characters display symptoms hinting at their potential demise from yellow fever.
Significant Themes
- The story explores themes of duty and familial loyalty, with Mattie often torn between personal desire and responsibility.
- The societal implications of illness and the social order during a crisis are central to understanding characters' motivations and actions.
- The tension between the rich and the poor, as well as issues of race and class, shape the experiences of characters throughout the epidemic.
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Description
Explore the main themes and character dynamics in 'Fever 1793'. Set against the backdrop of the yellow fever outbreak in Philadelphia, this quiz highlights Mattie's struggles, family relationships, and the impact of the epidemic on society. Test your knowledge about the characters and setting of this historical novel.
