In the opening scenes of the novel, Mattie expresses envy that Eliza lives by the beautiful river, while Mattie lives away from the river in urban downtown Philadelphia. What advantages might there be to living away from the river?

Describe what Philadelphia was like in 1793. How is the city different today? Would you rather be a teenager in Philadelphia today or a teenager in Philadelphia in the 1790s?

Blanchard flew a yellow balloon. Strips of yellow cloth are tied around doorknobs to warn of fever. Infected people's eyes turn yellowish. The sunrise at the end of the novel is yellow. What does the color yellow symbolize within the novel?

Mattie begins the novel as a child and ends the novel as a young adult. What events in Mattie's life caused her maturation to occur so quickly?

Discuss the voluntary aid activities provided to sick residents...