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Fever 1793 Book Review

Terms in this set (75)

What's the setting of Fever 1793?
Philadelphia during the summer of 1793
What type of business do the Cooks own?
coffeehouse
What is Nathaniel Benson's job?
apprentice artist
Who built the kitchen and the room where the Cooks served the customers?
Mattie's father
Why did Mother's family disown her?
She married a carpenter
What does Mattie dream to accomplish some day?
some day she will own several successful businesses
Why is Mattie angry with her mother at the beginning of the book?
Mother won't let Mattie visit Polly's family or attend the funeral.
Who are the Eplers?
German farmers who brought their eggs and chickens to market 3 times a week
According to Mrs. Epler, why have some people been struck by the fever?
They don't visit church
What offer does Nathaniel make to Mattie?
To go fishing
Why do the Christ Church bells toll frequently?
It represents each year the deceased person lived.
What seasons do Mattie and Grandfather prefer?
Mattie: cold
Grandfather: warm/hot
How does Grandfather view Nathaniel's apprenticeship?
It's a waste of time.
What invitation do Mattie and her mother receive from Pernilla Ogilvie?
To have afternoon tea
Why is mother excited at the invitation?
Because she thinks Edward Ogilvie would be a fine match for Mattie
How does Mattie feel about the Ogilvie girls?
They're snobby
What does Grandfather say that convinces Mattie to go to the Ogilvie's?
By saying that she would have to stay home and do chores like scour the kettle; they have a great cook; deserves a day off
What insensitive remark does Mrs. Ogilvie make about Mattie's father?
Saying he would have become successful if he was educated.
List 2 mean things Jeannine does to Mattie
- Stuck her tongue out at her
- Passed the plate of dessert the opposite way to her
Why does Mother ask if the Ogilvie boys are in town?
she wanted one of them to be with Mattie
What does Jeannine say to anger Mrs. Cook?
Said that the coffeehouse was was a grog shop/filthy tavern
How do most of the wealthy families cope with the disease?
They fled
Where does Eliza attend a meeting about yellow fever?
The Free Africian Society
Name two things about Mr. Rowley that upset Mattie.
- dirty hands
- smelled like alcohol
Why does Mother command Mattie to leave her?
She doesn't want Mattie to get sick and see her suffer
What is Dr. Kerr's diagnosis of mother's illness?
she has yellow fever
According to Grandfather, what three things does a soldier need to fight?
- sturdy pair of boots
- full belly
- decent night's sleep
What does Dr. Kerr believe is the only thing that will save Mother?
bleeding
What is placed outside a house to indicate that someone has yellow fever?
tying a yellow cloth
Why do the 4 horsemen stop the wagon?
to keep out fever victims
Why are Grandfather and Mattie forced off the wagon?
doctor believes Grandfather has yellow fever
What is an old soldier's trick for finding water?
find willow trees and you'll find some water
Who must formulate the "battle plans"?
Mattie
What does Mattie use to catch fish?
her petticoat
Who cares for Mattie at Bush Hill?
Mrs. Flagg
How does Mattie get to Bush Hill?
Grandfather carried her
Now that Mattie is recovering, where does Dr. Deveze say she should be moved?
to the barn
Why does Mattie fear Bush Hill?
Because it used to be a place for criminals and dead bodies
Who helped transform Bush Hill into a hospital?
Mr. Stephen Girard
Where does the clerk at Bush Hill suggest that Mattie go?
The orphan house
Why isn't mail delivered?
The post office closed down
What suggestion does Mrs. Bowles make to Mattie?
Stay with her and help out in the orphan house
Where and how are yellow fever victims being buried?
They are buried at Potter's Field by preachers saying a prayer and someone throws a layer of dirt on top.
What has happened to the coffeehouse when Mattie and Grandfather return?
It has been looted (robbed)
What happened to the strongbox?
It was untouched under the stairs
How often does Mattie usually bathe?
Once a month or on special occasions
What does Mattie decide to wear and what does this symbolize?
Mattie puts Mother's shift (skirt slip) and overskirt; this symbolizes Matties newfound maturity, becoming more like Mother
What awakens Mattie in the night and what foreshadowed this event?
Footsteps of the robbers awakened her; the night before, Mattie left the shutters open to get cool air
Which of Grandfather's possessions does a thief take and plan to sell?
His chess set
How does Mattie vent her frustration when Grandfather dies?
By attacking a chair with the sword
How are the dead transported to their graves?
By a large cart
What causes Mattie to yell 'Stop!' to the grave diggers?
She wanted a proper burial with a minister and prayers
What does Mattie find when she goes to the market for food?
A basket with rats
How many people lived in Philadelphia in Aug. 1793?
About 40,000
As of late Sept., how many people are left in the city?
17,000
How many have died?
More than 3,000
Mattie needs someone to care for Nell. What group may be able to help?
Reverend Allen's group
Whom does Mattie find on the way?
Eliza
Where does Eliza lead Mattie?
Her brother, Joseph's apartment
Who are Robert and William?
Eilza's plump-cheeked, twin nephews; Joseph's sons
Why does Dr. Rush contact Richard Allen?
Because he needs help to care for and visit the sick and believes African Americans are immune to the illness.
Why does Mother Smith accuse Mattie of being cruel?
She's falling in love with Nell and she'll send her to the orphan house
Why is Mrs. Bowles meeting with the mayor's committee?
She explains how they need space and money to feed the kids.
Which Ogilvie daughter contracted yellow fever?
Colette
Who is Louis?
Colette's French tutor and husband (they eloped!)
What is being added to wheat to make bread?
Sawdust
According to Eliza and Mattie, who are the only people profiting from the plague?
pharmacists, coffin makers, and thieves
Why does Mattie suggest taking the boys to the coffeehouse?
Because it's away from the worst heat
What does Mattie say to Eliza regarding the French doctors?
They have more experience with treating the fever having come from the West Indies.
What are the signs that the epidemic has finally ended?
frost, stench of death is gone, no insects
How have things changed between Eliza and Mattie?
They have a new respect for each other. Eliza tells Mattie she doesn't need permission to go to the market, and Mattie listens to Eliza's advice and instructions more closely.
Why do Mattie and the others resent the people returning to the city?
The feel that these people were cowards for leaving and don't seem to be concerned about the suffering that went on while they were gone.
Why is Eliza reluctant to accept Matilda's offer to be her partner in business?
It was practically unheard of for a white person and an African American to be business partners. Eliza is worried about what people will think.
How has Mrs. Cook changed?
She is very frail and inactive. She is no longer harsh and critical. She is gentle, loving, and trusting toward Mattie.
How has Mattie's relationship with Nathaniel changed?
They no longer feel awkward around each other. They can admit they like each other without feeling embarrassed or childish. They have to be mature to survive.
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