People & Places
Who is the main character and narrator of the story in Chapters 1–4?
Mattie Cook
At the start of Chapter 1, what season is it and what is the mood in the city?
Summer; lively, hot, bustling (the story opens in warm weather)
Define the word “provisions” as it is used when talking about the coffeehouse supplies.
Supplies or food stores used for running the business
Which trait best describes Mattie: shy, determined, or careless?
Around what year is the story set? (Chapters 1–4)
1793
What business does Mattie Cook’s family run?
A coffeehouse / café (the Cookhouse)
What event at the coffeehouse changes everything in Mattie's life?
The death of Polly
What does the word “hearth” refer to, especially in a household or coffeehouse setting?
The area in front of a fireplace; the fireplace itself
How would you describe Mrs. Cook’s attitude toward running the coffeehouse? Use one adjective.
Strict — manages business carefully and expects work
(Any related words work.)
What type of business was a coffeehouse in late 18th-century Philadelphia — a place for just coffee, or something more than coffee?
More than just coffee — a social place for news, meals, and gatherings
Name the city where Fever 1793 takes place.
Philadelphia
In Chapters 1–4, Mattie has plans or dreams for the future. What does she hope to do when she is older?
She dreams of going to school or having more independence / possibly getting married later — accept clear references to her hopes and ambitions in text
Explain the meaning of “stout” when someone describes a person’s build.
Strong or solid—stocky or broad-bodied
What does Eliza’s behavior in these chapters show about her personality?
Eliza is caring and hardworking — helps the family and works in the kitchen
Name one detail from Chapters 1–4 that shows life in the late 1700s (clothing, transportation, food, etc.).
Examples: horse-drawn carriages, period clothing, lack of modern appliances
Who was missing from the Coffeehouse at the beginning of the book?
Polly
How does Mattie react when her mother tells her to behave more grown-up or take on responsibilities?
She is often annoyed but also tries to follow directions; mixed reaction: frustrated but responsible
What does it mean if someone is described as “negligent”?
Failing to take proper care or attention
Identify one way Mattie shows responsibility in Chapters 1–4.
Examples: preparing meals, serving customers, following chores — cite Chapter 1–4 scenes
How does the role of family businesses (like the Cook coffeehouse) reflect the economy of the time?
Family businesses were common; people relied on family labor and local trade
Who helps run the Cook coffeehouse along with Mattie and her mother?
Primary helper is named Eliza (family friend/worker)
Describe one incident in these chapters that hints that something is changing in the city or that trouble may be coming.
Hints include talk of illnesses elsewhere mentioned by Eliza, mentions of worry, or a stranger behaving oddly; accept textual examples
In context, what does the phrase “to have a keen eye” mean about a character’s ability?
Being observant or noticing small details quickly
Which secondary character shows kindness in these chapters
Bonus: How do they show it?
Examples: Eliza or other helpers showing kindness by assisting Mattie or customers
Explain one way daily life in 1793 differs from life today, based on descriptions in Chapters 1–4.
Examples: no electricity, different medical knowledge, reliance on local markets and inns