The setting of "Fever 1793" is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the summer of 1793. This was a critical time in American history, as the nation was still in its infancy and America was navigating the challenges of a new government.
During this period, the city was grappling with a devastating outbreak of yellow fever, a disease transmitted by mosquitoes. The story unfolds in various locations throughout Philadelphia, including the bustling streets, markets, and homes of its citizens. As the fever spreads, the atmosphere shifts dramatically from the vibrancy of daily life to the chaotic responses of the community in facing a health crisis.
The author, Laurie Halse Anderson, vividly paints a picture of the physical and emotional landscape of the city, illustrating how the fever impacted social dynamics, family relationships, and individual survival instinct. The oppressive heat of the summer adds to the suffocating tension, making the setting not just a backdrop but a vital character in the narrative of survival against the fever.