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Fever 1793 cover
Archivist's Choice

Fever 1793

Laurie Halse Anderson (2000)

Genre

Children's / Historical Fiction / Young Adult

Reading Time

250 min

Key Themes

See below

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In 1793 Philadelphia, a young girl's dreams of expanding her family's coffeehouse are interrupted by a yellow fever epidemic, forcing her to fight for survival and keep her fractured family together.

Synopsis

Fourteen-year-old Mattie Cook lives a normal life working at her family's coffeehouse in Philadelphia during the summer of 1793. Her main concerns are growing the business and finding a suitor. But a deadly yellow fever epidemic sweeps through the city, quickly escalating from a distant rumor to a terrifying reality when it claims the life of their serving girl, Polly. As the illness spreads, Mattie's mother insists they leave the city. Their journey is cut short when Mattie falls ill and is left stranded with her grandfather. She battles the fever, recovers at a makeshift hospital, and eventually returns to a desolate, plague-ridden Philadelphia. There, she must navigate a city changed by death and fear, reunite with her family, take on new responsibilities, and fight to rebuild her life and the coffeehouse amidst the ongoing threat of the epidemic.
Reading time
250 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Historical, Suspenseful, Resilient, Somber
✓ Read this if...
You want a gripping, historically accurate portrayal of a real-life epidemic through the eyes of a resilient young protagonist.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer fantasy or contemporary settings, or find stories about illness and death too somber.

Plot Summary

A Summer Day at the Coffeehouse

It is August 1793 in Philadelphia. Fourteen-year-old Mattie Cook is busy with her daily chores at the Cook Coffeehouse, which she runs with her widowed mother, Lucille, and her grandfather, Captain William Farnsworth Cook. Mattie dreams of expanding the business and escaping her mother's strict rules. The city is hot, humid, and full of mosquitoes. Rumors of a fever spreading through the city are dismissed by Mattie's mother. However, their serving girl, Polly Logan, suddenly falls ill and dies within a day. This is the family's first direct encounter with the mysterious sickness, making the fever's threat undeniable and personal for Mattie.

Growing Panic and Departure

As more people in Philadelphia fall victim to the fever, panic grips the city. Dr. Rush's controversial bloodletting treatments are widely discussed. Lucille, always practical, tries to secure their finances and ensure the coffeehouse's survival. When Mattie's mother eventually contracts the fever, Mattie and Grandfather must make a difficult decision. Following advice from a family friend, they try to leave the city to find safety in the countryside. They are stopped at a roadblock by militiamen who, fearing contagion, refuse them passage and separate them from their group, leaving Mattie and Grandfather stranded and vulnerable on the side of the road.

Stranded and Sick

After being turned away from the countryside, Mattie and Grandfather are left alone. Grandfather, weakened by his age and the ordeal, soon falls ill with the fever. Mattie, despite her fear and inexperience, takes charge. She finds a small, abandoned hut and cares for her grandfather, foraging for food and water. Her strength is tested as she faces loneliness, hunger, and the constant threat of disease. She eventually finds help when a kind farmer and his wife discover them and direct her to the Bush Hill hospital, a mansion repurposed to care for fever victims, offering hope for Grandfather's survival.

Bush Hill and a New Friend

Mattie takes Grandfather to Bush Hill, where he is treated. Her own health then worsens, and she contracts the fever herself. She endures a period of illness and delirium, nursed back to health by the compassionate French doctors and Mrs. Flagg, a kind nurse. During her recovery, Mattie meets Eliza, a free black woman who is a cook at Bush Hill and a close friend of Mattie's family. Mattie also befriends Nell, a small, orphaned toddler who clings to her. Mattie's experience at Bush Hill changes her, giving her a sense of responsibility and compassion, especially towards Nell.

Return to a Desolate City

After Mattie recovers, she, Grandfather, and Nell return to Philadelphia, which has been devastated by the fever. The city is eerily silent, many homes are abandoned, and the streets are littered with debris and signs of death. The coffeehouse is in disarray, looted and neglected. Grandfather, weakened by his illness, struggles to cope with the devastation and the loss of their former life. Mattie, however, feels a renewed sense of purpose. She is determined to rebuild their lives and care for Nell, but the immediate challenge is survival in a city without resources or order.

Tragedy Strikes Again

Life in the desolate city is dangerous. One night, while Mattie, Grandfather, and Nell are asleep, two men break into the coffeehouse to loot it. Grandfather, despite his frail health, bravely tries to protect Mattie and Nell. He fights off the intruders but suffers a heart attack during the struggle. His death is a deep loss for Mattie, leaving her grief-stricken and feeling utterly alone. It strengthens her resolve to survive and protect Nell, forcing her to confront the harsh realities of their new existence without his guidance and protection.

Seeking Eliza's Aid

Following Grandfather's death, Mattie takes Nell and seeks out Eliza. She finds Eliza working with the Free African Society, which actively cares for the sick and orphaned children of Philadelphia. Eliza welcomes Mattie and Nell, and Mattie begins to assist Eliza in her work. This period is challenging but rewarding, as Mattie learns about selfless service and community. She sees the strength and compassion of the African American community during widespread suffering, and she finds a new family and purpose amidst the chaos, embracing her role in caring for the city's abandoned children.

Rebuilding the Coffeehouse

With the fever finally subsiding as cooler weather arrives, Mattie decides to reopen the Cook Coffeehouse. She enlists Eliza's help, offering her a partnership in the business. Together, they clean, repair, and restock the coffeehouse, transforming it from a looted shell into a functioning establishment once more. Mattie applies the lessons of strength and resourcefulness she learned during the epidemic, showing her newfound maturity and business sense. Their combined efforts symbolize the city's slow recovery and Mattie's emergence as a capable and independent young woman.

The Return of Mother

As the city slowly returns to normal and the coffeehouse thrives under Mattie and Eliza's management, Mattie's mother, Lucille, finally returns. She is frail and gaunt from her prolonged illness and recovery, but alive. Her return is emotional, and Mattie is overjoyed to see her. Lucille, having witnessed the horrors of the fever and Mattie's demonstrated capability, acknowledges Mattie's maturity and accepts her role as a partner in the coffeehouse. The family is reunited, changed, and Mattie's relationship with her mother becomes one of mutual respect and partnership.

A New Beginning

With Lucille recovered and the coffeehouse bustling, Mattie embraces her future. The business flourishes, becoming a symbol of strength and recovery in Philadelphia. Mattie continues to care for Nell, who is now a permanent part of their family. She has matured from a restless girl into a responsible, compassionate, and capable young woman, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. The novel ends with a sense of hope and renewal, as Mattie, her mother, Eliza, and Nell look forward to a new year, having survived the devastating yellow fever epidemic and formed a stronger, more interdependent family.

Principal Figures

Matilda 'Mattie' Cook

The Protagonist

Mattie transforms from a self-absorbed teenager into a responsible, capable, and compassionate young woman, taking charge of her family and business.

Lucille Cook

The Supporting

Lucille's illness and recovery lead her to a deeper appreciation of Mattie's capabilities and a more equal partnership in their family and business.

Captain William Farnsworth Cook

The Supporting

Grandfather remains a steadfast source of wisdom and protection until his heroic death, which further galvanizes Mattie's independence.

Eliza

The Supporting

Eliza's role evolves from a trusted employee to Mattie's equal partner and a key figure in Mattie's personal development and the coffeehouse's revival.

Nell

The Supporting

Nell is a catalyst for Mattie's growth, serving as a symbol of the future and the innocent lives Mattie is determined to protect.

Nathaniel Benson

The Supporting

Nathaniel's brief appearances serve as a reminder of Mattie's youthful desires and the possibility of a future life and love.

Polly Logan

The Mentioned

Polly's death marks the beginning of the central conflict, highlighting the immediate and deadly threat of the fever.

Dr. Rush

The Mentioned

Dr. Rush's methods are a point of contention and discussion, illustrating the desperation and lack of effective treatments during the epidemic.

Themes & Insights

Survival and Resilience

The novel explores the human will to survive when faced with overwhelming difficulty. Mattie's journey from a sheltered girl to a self-reliant young woman shows this theme. She endures hunger, sickness, loss, and the breakdown of society, yet she consistently finds the strength to carry on, not just for herself but for others like Nell. The reopening of the coffeehouse after the epidemic, as seen when Mattie and Eliza clean and rebuild, symbolizes human strength and community.

““I was still alive. And I had Nell. And I had a coffeehouse.””

— Matilda Cook

Family and Community

Initially, the theme of family centers around Mattie's immediate, somewhat dysfunctional, household. As the epidemic progresses, the concept of family expands to include Eliza and the Free African Society, who form a vital support network. Mattie's decision to care for Nell shows the creation of a new, chosen family. The novel highlights how community support, especially Eliza's work with the Free African Society, is essential for survival and rebuilding during a crisis, turning an individual focus into a collective effort.

““We are not alone, child. There are many here who need our help.””

— Eliza

Coming of Age/Loss of Innocence

Mattie's change from a restless, somewhat naive teenager into a responsible and capable young woman is central to the story. The yellow fever epidemic takes away her childhood innocence, forcing her to confront death, disease, and the harsh realities of a world without order. Her experiences, such as caring for her sick grandfather, surviving the fever herself, and later taking charge of the coffeehouse and Nell, speed up her maturity, marking a loss of her carefree youth and the emergence of a strong, independent identity.

““I was no longer a child. I was a woman. I had responsibilities. I had a family.””

— Matilda Cook

Social Class and Racial Prejudice

The novel explores the impact of social class and racial prejudice during the epidemic. While the fever affects everyone, the wealthy often have the means to flee, leaving the poor and working class more vulnerable. The Free African Society, despite facing prejudice and false accusations that Black people were immune or responsible for the fever, selflessly steps up to care for the sick and bury the dead. Eliza's dedication and the community's organized efforts highlight their strength and moral fortitude in a society that often marginalized them, contrasting with the panic and disarray among other groups.

““The Lord will guide us. He will not abandon us.””

— Eliza

Disease and Public Health

The yellow fever epidemic itself is a central force in the story, showing the devastating impact of infectious disease on a society unprepared for such a crisis. The novel depicts the confusion, fear, and lack of effective treatments, as well as the breakdown of civic order. The discussions around Dr. Rush's bloodletting and the general ignorance about the disease's transmission (mosquitoes) highlight the primitive state of public health at the time. The story shows how a public health crisis can expose societal weaknesses and demand collective action.

““The fever had changed everything. It had changed us.””

— Narrator

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

Historical Setting

The yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia, 1793, provides a realistic and high-stakes backdrop.

The meticulously researched historical setting of Philadelphia during the 1793 yellow fever epidemic is more than just a backdrop; it is a central character in itself. The specific details—the heat, the mosquitoes, the political figures, the medical practices, the social panic, and the Free African Society's role—lend authenticity and urgency to Mattie's story. This setting creates a constant, tangible threat, driving the plot and forcing characters into extreme situations that reveal their true nature. The historical context explains the lack of medical understanding and the societal breakdown, making the characters' struggles more poignant and realistic.

Symbolism of the Coffeehouse

The Cook Coffeehouse represents Mattie's family legacy, dreams, and eventual independence.

The Cook Coffeehouse serves as a powerful symbol throughout the novel. Initially, it represents Mattie's family's livelihood, her mother's strictures, and Mattie's own dreams of expansion and prosperity. When it is looted and abandoned during the epidemic, it symbolizes the collapse of their world and the loss of their former life. Its eventual restoration and reopening under Mattie's leadership, with Eliza as her partner, symbolizes Mattie's coming of age, her resilience, and the rebirth of hope and community in the aftermath of disaster. It becomes a tangible representation of her newfound independence and strength.

Foreshadowing

Early mentions of the fever and Polly's death hint at the impending crisis.

Foreshadowing is used effectively to build tension and convey the escalating threat of the yellow fever. From the very beginning, Mattie hears rumors of the fever, though she and her mother initially dismiss them. The sudden and swift death of Polly Logan, the serving girl, serves as the first undeniable and personal instance of the fever's danger, foreshadowing the widespread devastation and personal losses that Mattie and her family will soon face. These early hints create a sense of impending doom, preparing the reader for the drastic changes that will soon engulf Philadelphia and Mattie's life.

Point of View (First Person)

Narrated by Mattie, allowing for intimate insight into her fears, growth, and perspective.

The story is told from Mattie Cook's first-person perspective, which provides an intimate and immediate understanding of her experiences, fears, and developing maturity. This point of view allows the reader to witness the epidemic through the eyes of a young girl, making her journey of survival and growth highly personal and emotionally resonant. We feel her initial boredom, her growing panic, her grief, and eventually her determination. It effectively conveys the chaos and uncertainty of the time, as Mattie's limited understanding mirrors the general confusion surrounding the fever.

Critical analysis

Notable Quotes

“Grandfather says it's God's way of culling the flock. Those who are weak perish, and those who are strong survive.”

— Mattie's grandfather's harsh view of the fever's impact.

“The fever was a monster, a yellow beast that snatched lives and left others to mourn.”

— Mattie's internal reflection on the devastation caused by the fever.

“Coffeehouse owners need to be tough. And smart. And quick. You're going to be a fine businesswoman, Mattie. I know it.”

— Mother's encouragement to Mattie about her future.

“It was as if the city had simply given up, exhaling its last breath and falling silent.”

— Mattie's observation of Philadelphia's abandonment during the epidemic.

“I was a girl. I was not a soldier. But I had to be strong.”

— Mattie's realization of her need for resilience in a crisis.

“We are a family, Mattie. We stick together. No matter what.”

— Eliza's unwavering loyalty and support for Mattie.

“There was no time for tears. There was only time for action.”

— Mattie's pragmatic approach to managing the coffeehouse and caring for others.

“The stench of death hung heavy in the air, a constant reminder of what lay just beyond the next breath.”

— Mattie's sensory experience of the widespread death in the city.

“The only way to survive was to keep moving, to keep working, to keep hoping.”

— Mattie's internal mantra for enduring the hardships.

“I was not a child anymore. I was a woman, and I had responsibilities.”

— Mattie's recognition of her maturity and new role.

“Every day was a gift, a chance to make things better, to help someone, to simply be alive.”

— Mattie's newfound appreciation for life after the fever.

“We needed to find a way to heal, not just our bodies, but our city, our hearts.”

— Mattie's reflection on the long-term recovery needed for Philadelphia.

“The coffeehouse was more than just a business; it was a home, a sanctuary, a place where people could find comfort.”

— Mattie's understanding of the deeper meaning of the coffeehouse.

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Key Questions (FAQ)

Initially, Mattie is torn between her dreams of expanding the Cook Coffeehouse and the growing threat of yellow fever in Philadelphia. She longs for independence and a more prosperous life, often clashing with her mother's more practical and cautious approach to business and life in general.

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