In what ways is Matilda a dynamic character?
she is because she undergoes major changes as she comes of age. In the beginning of the story, she must follow the directions of her mother. However, after the Fever, she is in the position of running the coffeehouse. She no longer has to follow anyone's
In what ways is Lucille (Matilda's mother) a dynamic character?
she is because at the beginning of the story she owns the coffeehouse and tells her daughter and others what to do. However, by the end of the novel, she is frail and is no longer able to work at the coffeehouse. Early in the novel she is strict (even see
In what ways does society make Eliza a dynamic character?
As a result of the horrible fever that hits the town, Eliza goes from being considered a second-rate citizen (she is female, African-American, and had been a slave a one time) to being a partner in a business - the coffeehouse
Dr. Rush
A famous doctor who believed in bleeding patients to cure yellow fever. Got the Free African Society to help the sick.
Dr. Deveze
French doctor in charge of fever treatment at Bush Hill; cares for Mattie when she is ill and proclaims she is on the road to recovery when she is finally getting well
The importance of the dock and port as it related to Yellow Fever?
it was believed that the fever came to Bush Hill via the port; It is likely that the refugees and ships carried the yellow fever virus and mosquitoes. It is transmitted during mosquito bites. The mosquitoes easily breed in small amounts of standing water.
Haitian Revolt
A period of brutal conflict in the French colony of Saint-Dominique led by Toussaint L'Ouverture from 1794 to 1804. It lead to the elimination of slavery and the establishment of Haiti as the first republic ruled by people of African ancestry; in 1790 res
Stephen Girard
a respectable french man who turned Bush Hill hospital into a respectable place
George Washington's importance to the coffeehouse?
his return to that area signaled that the Fever was finally gone for he would not have returned if it was still there; when he returns, many people also returned as they felt it was finally safe to do so. The increase in people made the coffeehouse profit
Freed black people in Philadelphia?
The Free African Society, founded in 1787, was a benevolent organization that held religious services and provided mutual aid for "free Africans and their descendants" in Philadelphia. The Society was founded by Richard Allen and Absalom Jones. It was the
What was the purpose for the Free African Society and black nurses?
they provided aid to the sick working as nurses and aides during the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793, when many residents abandoned the city. At that time, doctor Benjamin Rush believed African Americans were immune to the disease; these people provided hel
What is the importance of making Eliza a partner at the coffeehouse?
Matilda trusts Eliza, views her as a best friend, and respects her work ethic and ability to run the Coffeehouse (pp. 224-226). Thus, it is a very prudent decision for Matilda to make Eliza a partner in the Coffeehouse, but the decision is not that simple
What were the theories about Yellow Fever?
Mr. Carris, who owned an export business, believed that the fever was caused by the heap of rotting coffee beans on Ball's Wharf. (p. 19). A government clerk believes that it was brought to Philadelphia by Santo Domingan refugees (p. 20). Grandfather beli
How is Eliza free?
she was free because her husband worked to save up money to buy her freedom from slavery
How were the dead buried?
They were buried in large communal pits.
What was Mattie's original dream for her future?
visiting Paris, then return home to open her own shop selling the finest French fripperies (fancy ornaments and trinkets) right in the heart of Philadelphia. I wanted to own an entire city block - a proper restaurant, an apothecary, maybe a school, or hat
What did Mattie finally end of doing with the coffeehouse?
At the end of the book, she is running the Coffeehouse (p. 228), getting up early (p. 240), and taking care of her family (p. 241); Matilda trusts Eliza, views her as a best friend, and respects her work ethic and ability to run the Coffeehouse (pp. 224-2
How did Mattie assert herself at her Grandfather's funeral?
taking care of her Grandfather's dead body and getting him buried with dignity and respect (pp. 148-154) and insisting his body is prayed over when he is buried
How did Mattie and Eliza cure the children?
they did so by having a French doctor, (Dr. Deveze) provide treatment
Where did Mattie's mom go when she left Philadelphia?
she was staying with the Ludington's farm
Why must live a life of leisure?
when she returns she is frail, can barely walk, and tires and grows weary very easily
Why does Eliza and Mattie need a lawyer?
Many people will think that Eliza, being black, took advantage of a young, white girl. White people don't usually like to see black people move up in society so to avoid trouble, a lawyer has to make it official
What is Mattie's morning routine at the end of the story?
she wakes up, then she gets dressed, starts a fire, boils water, sets up for the morning rush at the coffeehouse, and makes coffee for herself, her mother, and Eliza
What new ideas did Mattie have for the coffeehouse?
she expanded the menus, she gives out free samples, sells paintings, and brings Eliza in as her business partner