What is the setting (specific time and place) of the story? Describe the living conditions of the Cook’s home. How is it different from the conditions we live in? What surprises you about the way they live?

Fever 1793 is set in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1793, before, during, and after the onset of the Yellow Fever epidemic. Mattie lives in the coffee house owned by her family, she and her mother share a single room.

Mother snapped open the shutters and heat poured into our bedchamber. The room above our coffeehouse was not large. Two beds, a washstand, and a wooden trunk with frayed leather straps nearly filled it. It seemed even smaller with Mother storming around.

The second part of your question calls for your personal thoughts and experiences.