Fever 1793 begins with a mosquito biting Matilda. What is the significance of this event? How does our modern understanding of medicine influence the experience of reading Matilda’s story?

At the beginning of the novel, Matilda wants to be independent and treated as an adult. In what ways do her actions reflect her desires? Does her behavior ever hold her back from achieving her goals?

Describe Matilda’s relationship with her mother. How do Matilda’s interactions with her mother influence her developing identity? Does Matilda’s view of her mother change as the novel progresses?