What do you think about the nurse and the grandfather? How do you think grandfather will react and what he will say to her when they leave bush hill.

Chapters 11-16

1.  As Matilda and her grandfather are traveling to the country with the farmer and his family, they come across four men on horseback.  Initially, who do they think these men are?


2.  How do Matilda and her grandfather end up stranded?

3.  What trick does Matilda use to find water for her and her grandfather?


4.  Why does Matilda's grandfather call himself a fool?


5.  While stranded on the side of the road Matilda's grandfather says, "We must form our battle plans, both for this skirmish and for the rest of the war."  What does he mean by this?

Discussion Questions

1.) Do you think that the grandfather knew he was getting sick?

2.) Do you think Matilda will ever make it home?

3.) How long do you think the grandfather has to live?

4.) Do you think Matilda and her grandfather will get sick from drinking from the river?

5.) What do you think the cause of Matilda passing out was?

Daily Summary

Write a daily summary of your reading.

Questions 1-4

1.) When was when grandfather was infected?





2.) Why did Matti and her grandfather leave Philadelphia?




3.) Did eliza get infected? If she did when?




4.) How many days does the fever last?

Discussion Question #1-5

1.  Much of the first part of the story takes place in the Cook Coffeehouse.  Describe the activities that go on there before , during and after the guests arrive.

2.  At the time, no one really knew the true cause of the yellow fever epidemic.  What are some of the possible causes suggested by various townspeople and doctors?

3.  Toward the beginning of the story, Matilda wants to go to the market place in town.  Why does she want to go there?

4.  Why does Mrs. Cook want Matilda to join her for tea at the Ogilvies'?  Why does Matilda agree to join her that afternoon?

5.  Throughout the book, Matilda and her mother never say they love each other, yet we know they do.  What evidence is there in the story that the two feel deeply for each other?

Discussion questions 2/21/13

1. Matilda wants to go to polys funeral but her mother says no. Her mother claims it will give her nightmares, however Matilda doesn't believe it. What is the real reason Matilda mother refuses her to attend poly's funeral.










2. Compare and contrast the way Matilda mother feels about the possibility of a fever spreading with the way her grand father feels. Who does Matilda side with? Why do you think that is?