Fever 1793: Chapters 7–13

by Laurie Halse Anderson
Mattie Cook's simple life in Philadelphia is shattered when an epidemic of yellow fever rages through the city in the summer of 1793. Attempting to flee with her grandfather, Mattie finds that escaping disaster won't be so simple.

Here are links to our lists for the novel: Chapters 1–6, Chapters 7–13, Chapters 14–19, Chapters 20–24, Chapter 25–Epilogue

Here are links to our lists for other works by Laurie Halse Anderson: Speak, Speak: The Graphic Novel, Chains, Shout
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. discretion
    the trait of judging wisely and objectively
    Wit is the most dangerous talent you can possess. It must be guarded with great discretion and good-nature, otherwise it will create you many enemies.
  2. gala
    a lavish public entertainment or celebration
    But it is a gross injustice that my gala should suffer because the lower class falls ill.
  3. din
    a loud, harsh, or strident noise
    On top of that, we suffered the constant buzz of mosquitoes,
    blowflies, and hornets. The din was maddening.
  4. gumption
    fortitude and determination
    “Grandfather says this trouble will soon be over. He says people don’t have gumption anymore.”
  5. stricken
    grievously affected especially by disease
    “I heard one of her daughters was stricken,” said Mr. Brown.
  6. pestilence
    any epidemic disease with a high death rate
    I tell you, William, men who stood unafraid before British cannon run in fear from this foul pestilence.
  7. fractious
    easily irritated or annoyed
    The gentlemen were all quarrelsome and fractious.
  8. benediction
    a blessing or ceremonial prayer invoking divine protection
    We waited for him to speak, like a congregation expecting the minister’s benediction.
  9. deliverance
    recovery or preservation from loss or danger
    I quietly sat beside her and opened my Psalm book, praying for deliverance, or at least the dawn.
  10. recoil
    draw back, as with fear or pain
    I recoiled as she leaned over the bed and retched a foul-smelling black fluid onto the floor.
  11. lancet
    a surgical knife with a pointed double-edged blade
    Dr. Kerr took a small lancet from his bag.
  12. cajole
    influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
    No amount of cajoling would change her mind.
  13. grippe
    an acute, febrile, highly contagious viral disease
    I seem to have contracted a summer grippe.
  14. recuperate
    restore to good health or strength
    Grandfather would recuperate at home with Mother, and I could care for them both.
  15. abide
    put up with something or somebody unpleasant
    I could never abide rotted fruit.
Created on Tue Oct 20 20:55:10 EDT 2015 (updated Thu Jun 12 15:31:02 EDT 2025)

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