Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Fever 1793, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Freedom and Independence
Mothers, Daughters, and Familial Love
Disaster and Human Nature
Ingenuity, Ambition, and Survival
Summary
Analysis
Before they’ve walked very far, Grandfather is overcome with chills. He suggests that they rest under a chestnut tree. Mattie fashions a makeshift pillow for Grandfather, and he falls asleep before he can give further directions. Mattie, trying not to cry, assesses their situation. They’re 10 miles outside the city, with no food or water. She needs to get water first. She takes Grandfather’s canteen from his belt and kisses him goodbye.
Grandfather, clearly sicker than he’s let on, quickly leaves Mattie to figure out what’s next. Though frightened, Mattie masters her emotions and recalls her “soldiering lessons,” taking one independent step at a time. She’s discovering that independence involves rising to the occasion and helping those she loves, not indulging in daydreams.
Themes
Mattie walks up a hill and looks along the horizon. Recalling an “old soldier’s trick,” she locates a willow tree and knows she’ll find water nearby. Then she finds some raspberry bushes and picks a bunch for their supper, reminding herself that raspberry bushes mean that rabbits will be nearby. She figures that Grandfather can snare a rabbit, which she’ll cook over a fire. They’ll regain their strength and head back to the city, where Mattie will care for Grandfather and Mother. She decides that her plan is perfect.
Mattie uses Grandfather’s survival lessons to find food and water for them. Her triumph shows her success in being independent, but also her naïveté—her “perfect plan” will require still greater courage and ingenuity. Independence isn’t a one-time attainment, but a process of growth and struggle.
Themes
Running back with her overskirt filled with raspberries, Mattie shouts to Grandfather that she has a plan. His eyes are bloodshot but not yellow, which encourages Mattie. He is relieved by a long drink of water. As they share the berries, Mattie tells him her plan. After sunset, they’ll move to a cooler spot by the water. Grandfather finally responds by saying, “I’m a fool.” Mattie’s mother was right all along, he tells her. General Washington had always told him he was stubborn.
Mattie shares her plans, rising to the occasion, as Grandfather humbly admits that his grasp on the truth of the epidemic has been faulty all along. His humility is a further demonstration of his trust in Mattie, and another example of the many different responses that crisis draws out of people. Disaster shows what people are made of.
Themes
Grandfather goes on, “I am concerned for your future […] We must form our battle plans.” Mattie waits in silence for further advice, but none comes. She’s frightened, realizing Grandfather is waiting for her to decide what to do. Finally she says they will move camp tomorrow. “Whatever you say, Captain,” Grandfather replies.
Grandfather has shifted the burden of decision-making to Mattie—a watershed moment in their relationship and for Mattie personally. She will no longer take direction solely from her family, but will draw on her own resources—what they’ve taught her—to “captain” her own future, and care for others, too.
Themes
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