1. Fever 1793 Laurie Halse Anderson LA 8 – Novel Study Genre: Historical fiction Reading Skill: Methods of characterization Writing Skills: Collecting evidence with citations and a final character analysis

2. Historical Context In 1792, Philadelphia was the nation’s capital, and it was the most cosmopolitan city in the United States. The yellow fever outbreak that hit Philadelphia in 1792 was “one of the worst epidemics in US history” (p. 244). “In three months, it killed nearly 5,000 people” (p. 244). It was unclear, at first, how the disease was spread; so, a variety of medical treatments were used to try to treat the sickness (p. 244). The novel, Fever 1793, is historical fiction because although most of the characters and conflicts are fictional, the actual outbreak of yellow fever DID occur in Philadelphia in 1792. Notice the excerpts from primary sources referenced at the beginning of each chapter. Do not skip those!

3. The Yellow Fever Epidemic in Philadelphia, 1793 Yellow fever is known for bringing n a characteristic yellow tinge to the eyes and skin, and for the terrible “black vomit” caused by bleeding into the stomach. Known today to be spread by infected mosquitoes, yellow fever was long believed to be a miasmatic disease (pollution) originating in rotting vegetable matter and other filth. Review Battle of the Doctors on p. 244 Source: http://ocp.hul.harvard.edu/contagion/yellowfever.html http://ocp.hul.harvard.edu/contagion/yellowfever.html

4. What we know now... According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever/symptoms/) TREATMENT: No specific treatments have been found to benefit patients with yellow fever. Yellow fever patients should be hospitalized for supportive care and close observation. Treatment is symptomatic. Rest, fluids, and use of pain relievers and medication to reduce fever may relieve symptoms of aching and fever. Care should be taken to avoid certain medications, such as aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which may increase the risk of bleeding. Yellow fever patients should be protected from further mosquito exposure (staying indoors and/or under a mosquito net) during the first few days of illness. This way, yellow fever virus in their bloodstream will be unavailable to other uninfected mosquitoes, thus breaking the transmission cycle and reducing risk to the persons around them. SYMPTOMS: In persons who develop symptoms, the incubation period (time from infection until illness) is typically 3–6 days. The initial symptoms include sudden onset of fever, chills, severe headache, back pain, general body aches, nausea, and vomiting, fatigue, and weakness. Most persons improve after the initial presentation. After a brief remission of hours to a day, roughly 15% of cases progress to develop a more severe form of the disease. The severe form is characterized by high fever, jaundice, bleeding, and eventually shock and failure of multiple organs.

5. Writer’s NB Entry: The Development of Matilda Cook Directions: Use a two-page spread in your NB. Add to each page every time you read! Use citations each time!!! (p. ___). EVIDENCE from Interactions Write down quotes from the novel related to other characters’ impressions of Mattie Focus on dialogue between Mattie and other characters Mattie’s interactions and conversations with other characters will evolve as the plot advances EVIDENCE from Mattie Write down quotes from the novel related to Mattie’s own thoughts, feelings, and actions. Mattie’s perceptions of herself, others, and the world around her will dramatically change as the novel progresses

6. Discussion Points Ch. 1 Philadelphia 1793 Ch. 2 The Cook Coffeehouse & Matilda’s family Ch. 3 Matilda’s relationship with her mom Ch. 4 Conversations/rumors related to the sickness Ch. 5 Lucille/Matilda’s mother’s internal conflict Matilda’s crush

7. Discussion Points Ch. 6 Mattie’s vision for the coffeehouse vs. Lucille’s Tea with the Ogilvie family Ch. 7 The stigma of the sickness & the lower class Ch. 8 Advice from the College of Physicians Ch. 9 Mr. Rowley’s beliefs/methods Lucille’s health Ch. 10 Dr. Kerr’s methods & advice

8. Discussion Points Ch. 11 The farmer’s decision on behalf of his family Ch. 12 Mattie takes charge Ch. 13 Challenges for Mattie Ch. 14 The improved Bush Hill Ch. 15 Stories of the fever’s devastation

9. Discussion Points Ch. 16 Returning to the “ghost city” Pennsylvania Ch. 17 Vandalism at the Cook Coffeehouse Ch. 18 More responsibilities for Mattie Ch. 19 Conflict at the Cooke Coffeehouse Ch. 20 An honorary burial for Captain William Farnsworth Cook

10. Discussion Points Ch. 21 Mattie’s new role as caregiver Ch. 22 Contributions from the Free African Society Ch. 23 Mattie’s internal conflict over Nell Ch. 24 Mattie continues to persevere in tough situations Ch. 25 The fate of the children & the coffeehouse

11. Discussion Points Ch. 26 The frost Ch. 27 A partnership at the Cook Coffeehouse Ch. 28 Important people return to Philadelphia Ch. 29 A softer side to Lucille Epilogue From terror to peace

12. Discussion Points APPENDIX Did the epidemic really happen? Battle of the doctors Free African Society Coffeehouses To market, to market Fear and panic Yellow fever today

13. Final Project ~ Character Analysis CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT OF MATILDA COOK How would you characterize Matilda at the beginning, middle, and end of the book? How did her character evolve as the plot advanced?