* Survival and Resilience: The story follows Matilda, a young girl who navigates the devastating Yellow Fever epidemic in Philadelphia. Her struggle to survive the disease and loss, while caring for her family and community, exemplifies resilience in the face of hardship.
* The Power of Community: Matilda's journey highlights the importance of community and the strength found in shared experiences. Her connection to others, like her friend Eliza, and her reliance on the kindness of strangers, shows how human connection can provide support during times of crisis.
* Social Inequality and Class Divide: The novel explores the stark social and economic divide in Philadelphia during the late 18th century. The wealthy are able to escape the city, while the poor are left to suffer the consequences of the disease. Matilda's experiences highlight the inequalities that existed and the struggles faced by marginalized communities.
* The Impact of Fear and Uncertainty: The novel portrays the fear and uncertainty that gripped Philadelphia during the epidemic. The fear of the unknown and the lack of knowledge about the disease are explored through the characters' actions and reactions.
* The Importance of Compassion and Empathy: In the midst of chaos and despair, characters like Matilda and her mother show compassion and empathy towards those suffering. The novel emphasizes the importance of human kindness and the need to support one another during challenging times.
Ultimately, Fever 1793 is a story about the human spirit's ability to persevere in the face of adversity. It explores themes of survival, community, social inequality, fear, and compassion, all set against the backdrop of a devastating historical event.