Fever 1793

Matilda’s mother, Lucille, runs a Philadelphia coffeehouse by herself after her husband, a carpenter, died while working—an experience that caused her to “turn sour” (9). Mother came from a wealthy family who “washed their hands” (8) of her when she married a “tradesman” (8) at the young age of 17. Aside from her father-in-law, Mother has no one to rely on. The stress of running a business on her own has left Mother “pinch-faced and harsh” (17), often berating her daughter for being lazy and improper. Matilda knows her mother has a softer side hidden within her, and she remembers Mother’s “laughter and her gentle hands” (17) from when Father was alive. However, the struggles of life turned Mother into “a tired and bitter captain” (17). Matilda must “obey” (17) Mother, but wishes she could rebel against her.

While Mother criticizes Matilda much more than she praises or expresses love for her daughter, Mother shows love for Matilda through her actions. When the yellow fever becomes a threat, Mother immediately wants to send Matilda to the country, as far from the disease as possible. When Mother becomes ill, she won’t allow Matilda to nurse her, instead valuing her daughter’s safety over her own survival. Though Mother can’t care for herself, she adamantly tells Matilda “‘Don’t want you sick. Go away!’” (69). Ironically, Mother’s outwardly harsh words reflect her inner concern for her daughter’s welfare. Whether Mother is encouraging Matilda to be industrious, or trying to find her a suitable husband, Mother wants Matilda to have a safe, respectable life—even if her wishes don’t always align with her daughter’s.

Matilda doesn’t realize just how much her mother loves her until the novel’s end, when the two are finally reunited after months apart. Matilda learns that while desperately ill, Mother set off alone in the middle of the night to look for Matilda, an act that left Mother “‘near death’” (236). Mother, like Matilda, is changed by the epidemic; but while Matilda has become industrious, Mother is now weak, her hands “still” where before they “had always been busy” (238-39). Matilda accepts this role reversal and encourages her mother to rest while she takes over the running of the coffeehouse. Matilda, now secure in her mother’s love and support, looks ahead to a bright future for the family and their business.

Captain Cook, Matilda’s paternal grandfather, is a former Army captain who proudly fought under General Washington during the Revolutionary War, and who sees all of life as a military engagement. Grandfather is a friendly, jovial, big-hearted man who “kn[ows] every politician, printer, carpenter, and captain” (147) in Philadelphia. Grandfather clearly loves both his daughter-in-law and granddaughter, and his jokes and kindness often keep peace in the family. In the absence of Matilda’s own father, Grandfather provides a father figure for Matilda, one who has “tried to instill some military training” in his granddaughter, yet “always sweetened it with candy” (19).

Matilda’s and Grandfather’s roles reverse when Grandfather escorts Matilda out of the city to escape the fever, and Grandfather falls ill. Matilda assumes the role of the parental figure and cares for her grandfather. She uses a “‘soldier’s trick’” (85) Grandfather taught her to find food and water, and her command of the situation prompts Grandfather to call her “‘Captain’” (87).

After Grandfather recovers, he returns to Philadelphia with Matilda, but dies after he is attacked by thieves. His last words express his love for his “‘beautiful. Clever […] sweet Mattie’” (147), thus affirming the strong relationship between grandfather and granddaughter. The faith he expresses in Matilda’s abilities gives her the strength to move past his death. Matilda concludes that Grandfather is “the finest man I had ever known” (149), and his legacy helps carry Matilda forward into a promising new life.

Eliza, the Cook family’s hardworking but cheerful cook, is an African-American woman who was born a slave and, after her husband bought her freedom, began cooking for the coffeehouse in order to buy her husband’s freedom. However, Eliza’s husband died in an accident before Eliza could free him. The incident created a bond between Eliza and Matilda’s mother, who both lost their husbands and “supped sorrow with a big spoon” (9). Matilda’s mother allowed grief to change her for the worse, but Eliza’s “smile slowly returned to [her] face” (9) as she overcomes great suffering. Matilda considers Eliza “her best friend” (9), but also resents that Eliza calls her “Little Mattie” (12) and still treats her like a child.

Once the yellow fever takes hold of Philadelphia, Matilda helps Eliza tend to the sick, regardless of the color of their skin or how much money they possess. With Eliza’s help, Matilda develops greater selflessness and empathy, as well as a lifelong work ethic. Matilda is no longer the childish “Little Mattie” (12) Eliza once called her, and thanks in large part to Eliza’s guidance, Eliza and Matilda are now partners on equal footing. 

Nathaniel Benson is Matilda’s friend and romantic interest, as well as an apprentice to the artist Charles Willson Peale—a true historical figure. Matilda’s mother writes off Nathaniel as “a scamp, possibly even a scoundrel” (30) and steers her daughter toward wealthier romantic prospects. Nathaniel understands Matilda’s dream to break free of limitations. Nathaniel and Matilda’s relationship is a source of tension between mother and daughter, and another example of Matilda’s hopes to defy convention and live freely.

At the end of the novel, Mother’s respect for a more mature Matilda extends to Nathaniel—she offers him no “sharp-tongued remark[s]” (235) and seems more accepting of the relationship. Nathaniel will accompany Matilda into her new role as a capable coffeehouse owner, and into a new life of “hopes and promise” (243).