Lucille Cook (“Mother”) Character Analysis in Fever 1793

Lucille runs the Cook Coffeehouse in Philadelphia with the assistance of Mattie and Eliza. Lucille grew up in a wealthy family during the Revolutionary War and eloped with Mattie’s father, a carpenter; she was disowned as a result. Lucille was widowed after her husband fell off a ladder when Mattie was four. She invited Grandfather, her late husband’s father, to live with them at that time. She is demanding of Mattie and often talks about how much more obedient and hardworking she was during her own childhood, which annoys Mattie. Desperate to provide for Mattie by arranging a marriage, she takes Mattie to a disastrous tea at Pernilla Ogilvie’s house. Not long after, Lucille becomes desperately ill with yellow fever. After she recovers, she goes to Mrs. Ludington’s farm in the country, then nearly dies again during a desperate search for Mattie. When Lucille returns to Philadelphia at the end of the novel, she is severely weakened by her suffering and must lean on Mattie for survival.

Lucille Cook (“Mother”) Quotes in Fever 1793

The Fever 1793 quotes below are all either spoken by Lucille Cook (“Mother”) or refer to Lucille Cook (“Mother”). For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

A few blocks south lay the Walnut Street Prison, where Blanchard had flown that remarkable balloon. From the prison’s courtyard it rose, a yellow silk bubble escaping the earth. I vowed to do that one day, slip free of the ropes that held me. Nathaniel Benson had heard me say it, but he did not laugh. He understood. Perhaps I would see him at the docks, sketching a ship or sea gulls. It had been a long time since we talked.

Related Characters: Matilda “Mattie” Cook (speaker), Lucille Cook (“Mother”), Nathaniel Benson

Related Symbols: Yellow Balloon

Page Number and Citation: 4

Explanation and Analysis:

If I was going to work as hard as a mule, it might as well be for my own benefit. I was going to travel to France and bring back fabric and combs and jewelry that the ladies of Philadelphia would swoon over. And that was just for the dry goods store. I wanted to own an entire city block—a proper restaurant, an apothecary, maybe a school, or a hatter’s shop. Grandfather said I was a Daughter of Liberty, a real American girl. I could steer my own ship. No one would call me little Mattie. They would call me “Ma’am.”

Related Characters: Matilda “Mattie” Cook (speaker), Lucille Cook (“Mother”), Captain William Farnsworth Cook (“Grandfather”)

Page Number and Citation: 12

Explanation and Analysis:

“The only people left in Philadelphia seem to be shopkeepers and wharf rats. Robert has an appointment with the mayor this very day to insist that he put an end to the rumors of yellow fever.”

“I heard a man died of the fever in the middle of the street, and three black crows flew out of his mouth,” said Jeannine.

“Don’t be vile, Jeannine,” snapped her mother. “Those filthy refugees and creatures who live in the crowded hovels by the river, they’re always sick with something. But it is a gross injustice that my gala should suffer because the lower class falls ill. Don’t you agree, Lucille?”

Related Characters: Jeannine Ogilvie (speaker), Mrs. Pernilla Ogilvie (speaker), Lucille Cook (“Mother”), Matilda “Mattie” Cook

Page Number and Citation: 50

Explanation and Analysis:

“It is not yellow fever,” he said.

Grandfather sighed in relief.

“But Dr. Rush says yellow fever is spreading everywhere,” Eliza said.

“Dr. Rush likes to alarm people,” Mr. Rowley replied. “There is a great debate about this pestilence. Yesterday a physician I shall not name diagnosed yellow fever in an elderly woman. Her family threw her into the street. She died, but she didn’t have yellow fever. It was all a mistake. I use the diagnosis sparingly. And I assure you, there is no fever in this house.”

Related Characters: Mr. Rowley (speaker), Eliza (speaker), Lucille Cook (“Mother”), Captain William Farnsworth Cook (“Grandfather”)

Page Number and Citation: 65

Explanation and Analysis:

“I’m here, Mother,” I whispered. “Be still.”

She shook her head from side to side on the pillow.

Tears threatened again. I sniffed and tried to control my face. No one could ever tell what Mother thought or felt by looking at her. This was a useful trait. I needed to learn how to do it. There were so many things she had tried to teach me, but I didn’t listen. I leaned over to kiss her forehead. A tear slipped out before I could stop it.

Related Characters: Matilda “Mattie” Cook (speaker), Lucille Cook (“Mother”)

Page Number and Citation: 68

Explanation and Analysis:

“You’ll hear folks say that Dr. Rush is a hero for saving folks with his purges and blood letting. But I’ve seen different. It’s these French doctors here that know how to cure the fever. I don’t care if Dr. Rush did sign the Declaration of Independence. I wouldn’t let him and his knives near me.”

I shivered as I remembered the blood Dr. Kerr had drained from Mother. Maybe Grandfather should return to the house and bring her here. What if Dr. Kerr bled her too much?

Related Characters: Mrs. Bridget Flagg (speaker), Lucille Cook (“Mother”), Matilda “Mattie” Cook, Dr. Kerr, Dr. Benjamin Rush

Page Number and Citation: 103

Explanation and Analysis:

I fumbled with the tread of the hollow stair, then threw it to the side and lifted out the metal box. I opened the lid. It was still there, pence and shillings. Thank heaven for that.

I returned the box to its hiding place. It could be worse, I thought. The house is still standing. We’re alive. Mother and Eliza must be somewhere safe, I had to believe that. The fever would soon be over, and our lives would return to normal. I just had to stay clever and strong and find something to eat.

A tear surprised me by rolling down my cheek. “None of that, Mattie girl,” I whispered to myself as I scrubbed the tear away. “This is not the time to be childish.”

Related Characters: Matilda “Mattie” Cook (speaker), Lucille Cook (“Mother”), Eliza, Captain William Farnsworth Cook (“Grandfather”)

Page Number and Citation: 125

Explanation and Analysis:

If Mother was dead, I’d have to sell the coffeehouse, or have the orphan’s court sell it for me. I’d get work as a scullery maid, or move into the orphanage and do laundry.

I looked past the apple seller to the haberdasher’s window behind him. My face looked back at me from the thick glass. […] The shape of my face looked for all the world like Mother’s, her nose, her mouth.

But my eyes were my own. I blinked.

A scullery maid? Ridiculous. I was Matilda Cook, daughter of Lucille, granddaughter of Captain William Farnsworth Cook, of the Pennsylvania Fifth Regiment. I could read, write, and figure numbers faster than most. I was not afraid of hard work.

I would set my own course.

Related Characters: Matilda “Mattie” Cook (speaker), Captain William Farnsworth Cook (“Grandfather”), Lucille Cook (“Mother”)

Page Number and Citation: 215

Explanation and Analysis:

“I’m fine. I’m fine. Shh. Please don’t cry. Everything is better now. I’m home, you’re home. You don’t have to worry anymore.” I drew up a chair next to her, and she leaned against my shoulder. I cradled her head in my arms until her sobs quieted […] Her hands lay in her lap, withered and limp. I had never seen her hands stay still before.

Related Characters: Matilda “Mattie” Cook (speaker), Lucille Cook (“Mother”)

Page Number and Citation: 238

Explanation and Analysis:

Lucille Cook (“Mother”) Character Timeline in Fever 1793

The timeline below shows where the character Lucille Cook (“Mother”) appears in Fever 1793. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Mothers, Daughters, and Familial Love Theme Icon

...“Mattie” Cook wakes to the sound of a mosquito whining in one ear and her mother, Lucille Cook, “screeching” in the other: “Rouse yourself this instant!” Her mother opens the shutters... (full context)

Already sweating, Mattie observes that it’s going to be another hot August day. As her mother goes down the stairs, Mattie hears her muttering about how much harder she worked when... (full context)

...for now, she flings the dead mouse into the garden below and hurries downstairs to Mother. (full context)

Ingenuity, Ambition, and Survival Theme Icon

As soon as Mattie enters the kitchen, Mother resumes lecturing her about oversleeping. Mattie, trying not to listen, sits down in the spacious... (full context)

...died of a broken neck soon after the coffeehouse opened. At that point, Mattie’s Grandfather, Lucille’s father-in-law, joined the household. A coffeehouse is considered to be “a respectable business” for a... (full context)

...to the coffeehouse’s success. If it weren’t for that, the Cooks would be in trouble: Mother’s family disowned her when she eloped with Mattie’s father at 17. (full context)

Both Lucille and Eliza “supped sorrow with a big spoon,” but while Eliza eventually smiled again, Mother... (full context)

...son. Eliza suggests that Polly might be sick—there are rumors of sickness near the river. Mother says that “serving girls don’t get sick” and storms off to search for Polly, ordering... (full context)

Mother returns. She has spoken with Mistress Logan, Polly’s mother. Mistress Logan kept repeating, “[Polly] sewed... (full context)

...Polly when they were girls and singing songs together while they churned butter. Mattie and Mother go inside and tell Eliza what happened. Mother says it’s strange that Polly, a robust... (full context)

When Mattie wants to take food to the Logans and attend Polly’s funeral, Mother refuses. Mattie calls her mother “horrid,” and Mother demands an apology. Mattie notices how “pinch-faced... (full context)

That afternoon, the coffeehouse is filled with lively customers. Mother won’t meet Mattie’s eye as Mattie circulates with a tray of gingerbread. Grandfather calls Mattie... (full context)

...Mattie returns to serving and cleaning and later helps figure out the accounts, a task Mother entrusts to her. Soon she’s exhausted, marveling at all the work Polly did each day. (full context)

...Polly. One day, Mattie jumps at the chance to run to the market. Grandfather talks Mother into letting Mattie go, arguing that they can’t rearrange their lives for a fever. Mother... (full context)

...enjoys the sights, sounds, and smells of the open-air market, quickly forgetting the items on Mother’s list. She chats with some German farmers, “egg-shaped” Mr. Epler and “fluttering” Mrs. Epler. Mrs.... (full context)

...house, where Nathaniel works long hours as an apprentice. Whenever Nathaniel strolls past the coffeehouse, Mother won’t let Mattie see him, dismissing him as a scamp without a future. He and... (full context)

...Grandfather agreeably helps her hang the washing. When Eliza comes by, Grandfather jokes that Mattie’s mother has reduced “the hero of Trenton and Germantown […] to a simple errand boy” by... (full context)

Mother says talk of expansion is pointless; only fear of the fever is driving customers their... (full context)

A messenger comes to the door. Grandfather brings a note from Pernilla Ogilvie, which Mother hastily snatches. Pernilla has invited them for afternoon tea, which Lucille calls “the best news... (full context)

Mother unearths an “unfashionable” post-War gown from the depths of her trunk. Then she lets the... (full context)

When Mattie and Mother arrive at the Ogilvie mansion, Mattie is gasping for breath because of her tight clothes.... (full context)

...Ogilvie “sail[s] across the room like a man-of-war” in her layers of petticoats and greets Lucille effusively. Mother notices Pernilla’s pristine, fashionable gown compared to her own coffee-stained one. Lucille introduces... (full context)

Mother asks Pernilla if the Ogilvie sons are still in town. Mattie is embarrassed, wondering why... (full context)

Lucille presses ahead, asking if any of the Ogilvie sons are interested in business. Mrs. Ogilvie... (full context)

...cream pitcher. She whispers, “I’m burning,” before crumpling to the floor in a faint. When Mother feels Colette’s forehead, she says it must be the fever. (full context)

...and looks at them, then dumps a body out of his wheelbarrow onto the street. “Mother!” Mattie screams. (full context)

Grandfather determines that Mother is alive. He gets Mattie to help him carry her into the coffeehouse. Eliza screams... (full context)

...and smells of rum, but she follows them all into the bedroom. Mr. Rowley examines Mother, who remains asleep. Finally, he pronounces that Mother’s illness is not yellow fever. Famous doctors... (full context)

Mattie doesn’t want to help Eliza give Mother a bath—it feels “upside down and backside front”—but it’s necessary. Every four hours, they have... (full context)

Mattie locks herself in the darkened house. When she checks on Mother, she wonders, “Had [Mother] ever enjoyed anything? […] Perhaps death would be a release.” As... (full context)

Mattie prays some Psalms for deliverance and then dozes off next to Mother’s bed. The next thing she knows, Mother is violently vomiting blood, her eyes rolled back... (full context)

...morning, Eliza shakes Mattie awake. She’s brought Dr. Kerr, an educated Scottish doctor, to examine Mother. Dr. Kerr examines Lucille and growls that Rowley is a “damned fool” and an “imposter.”... (full context)

Dr. Kerr says that Lucille must be bled; Dr. Rush has proven that this is the only way a yellow... (full context)

Lucille stirs and wakes to see Mattie. She points at Mattie and whispers, “Out!” before beginning... (full context)

...thanks, but Eliza says that by staying behind to help, she’s doing nothing more than Lucille would have done in her place. Grandfather dresses in his regimental jacket and sword for... (full context)

...Mattie snaps at him to mind his horse. Grandfather remarks that Mattie sounds like her mother, “ordering menfolk around.” Mattie retorts that “some menfolk need ordering,” and Grandfather agrees. (full context)

...their strength and head back to the city, where Mattie will care for Grandfather and Mother. She decides that her plan is perfect. (full context)

...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... (full context)

...nearby stream to replenish their water, King George flying along after her. Mattie thinks of Mother and wishes she’d been strong like Eliza instead of crying while caring for her. She... (full context)

...that when he checked on the coffeehouse, it was locked up tight. He assumes that Lucille has gone to her friends, the Ludingtons, to recover, and he’s sent a letter to... (full context)

...lost their sanity from sickness or grief. Mattie hears nothing of Nathaniel, Eliza, or her mother. (full context)

...useful again. Mattie has little to do except stay in bed wondering about Nathaniel and Mother. The stronger she gets, the more questions she has. (full context)

...get out of bed, a clerk approaches and says they’ve been unable to locate her mother. They can’t turn a child into the streets, he says, so Mattie will be taken... (full context)

...with the children and a Quaker woman named Mrs. Bowles. Mrs. Bowles is older than Mother and has kind eyes and laughter lines. As she soothes a crying child, she questions... (full context)

...Mattie sits over her unsatisfactory meal, she remembers that there are “still rules, even if Mother isn’t here to enforce them.” She makes Silas the cat eat on the floor, and... (full context)

...rest of her clothes are lost somewhere in the Pennsylvania countryside. She finds clothes in Mother’s trunk that fit surprisingly well. She twirls around the room, enjoying the sensation of wearing... (full context)

...But Grandfather refuses to venture beyond the house for better food; it’s dangerous, and besides, Lucille might come back. That afternoon Mattie salvages half a dozen potatoes from the struggling garden,... (full context)

...at him, “screaming the kinds of words that would have raised every hair on my mother’s head.” He scrambles out the window, and Mattie chases him for a block before realizing... (full context)

...deserted streets, wondering what to do. Should she find her way to the Ludingtons, her mother’s friends, in the country? The orphan house? Helping at Bush Hill would remind her too... (full context)

...asks Mr. Brown if she can place an advertisement in the Gazette inquiring about her mother. Mr. Brown replies that he’d like nothing better than to fulfill that request, but that... (full context)

In Eliza’s embrace, Mattie is overcome with grief about Mother, Grandfather, and all her suffering. Eliza tells Mattie it’s getting dark, and they’ll talk about... (full context)

...can’t leave without food, then promises to return tomorrow. Eliza explains that the woman is Mother Smith, of the Free African Society, who’s watching Joseph’s boys while Eliza volunteers. (full context)

...time she’s washed the children, as well, Eliza has left for her Society duties, and Mother Smith has arrived to help. She criticizes Mattie’s cleaning, stitching, and childcare skills, prompting Mattie... (full context)

As Mother Smith is leaving that night, she sees Mattie patting a sleeping Nell and warns, “Don’t... (full context)

Early the next morning, Mattie talks to Eliza about Nell. She agrees with Mother Smith that she has to think about Nell’s future. If Lucille is alive, she won’t... (full context)

...two fat hens and some eggs for free, promising to ask around for news of Lucille. Mattie also buys produce and candy and continues to wander, wondering what she should do... (full context)

...into her own eyes, she suddenly changes her mind: “I was Matilda Cook, daughter of Lucille, granddaughter of Captain William Farnsworth Cook […] I would set my own course.” (full context)

...Peale’s house. They talk about how everything seems to have changed. Nathaniel jokes that Mattie’s mother will be home soon and will try to marry Mattie off to a lawyer. Mattie... (full context)

Eliza suggests giving a small thanksgiving feast with Joseph and the twins. Mother Smith and Nathaniel come, too. Even Mother Smith admires Mattie’s feast. Later, Joseph asks Mattie... (full context)

When Eliza is hesitant, Mother Smith finally bangs her cane on the floor and insists that Eliza will take the... (full context)

...gray-haired woman out of the carriage. When the woman raises her face, Mattie sees that Mother has come home. (full context)

Mattie dashes into her mother’s arms. Lucille feels “like a frail bird.” At last she breaks away from Mattie and... (full context)

Mrs. Ludington explains that Lucille is still recovering from the fever; the doctors say it’s a miracle she survived. When... (full context)

After Mrs. Ludington leaves, Mattie tells Lucille about Grandfather’s death. At last, Mother’s eyes well with tears as she tells Mattie how... (full context)

...house stirring.” She hurriedly gets dressed, careful not to wake Nell. In the next bed, Mother is still sleeping. Mattie lets her rest—she’d coughed late into the night. Across the hall,... (full context)

Fever 1793

Lucille Cook (“Mother”) Character Analysis

Lucille Cook (“Mother”) Quotes in Fever 1793

Chapter 1 Quotes

Chapter 2 Quotes

Chapter 7 Quotes

Chapter 9 Quotes

Chapter 14 Quotes

Chapter 17 Quotes

Chapter 26 Quotes

Chapter 29 Quotes

Lucille Cook (“Mother”) Character Timeline in Fever 1793