The Way Matilda Has Prospered In the book, Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson, we comprehend that Mattie has changed substantially. In the beginning of the book, Mattie is self-absorbed and helpless. Gradually, she started to learn how to fend for herself. Consequently, Mattie grows to be very individualistic and survives on her own. Throughout the story, Mattie becomes independent due to people not being able to support her. Initially, Mattie relies on others. She is needy and deprived. In the book Eliza says to Mattie, “ ‘I thought you were going to sleep the day away. Have you eaten?’ ” (Anderson 8). This quote helps resemble the fact that Mattie is lazy because she hasn’t gotten out of bed. Moreover, Mattie is dependent upon others, she does develop more independence later on in the story. Mattie develops more of a character during the middle of the book. She learns how to provide for herself, however, she still has people providing for her as well. Mattie becomes her own person and starts helping others. In the book, Mattie claims, “I curtsied slightly, conscious of the few threads barely holding me together.” (Anderson 48). …show more content…
Mattie becomes resilient and thrives on her own after Grandfather has been killed. She also winds up taking care for not just herself, but for other children she has found that are in need of someone’s care due to the fact that they are impoverished. In the book, Mattie finds grown potatoes claiming that “Supper was a royal feast of boiled potatoes seasoned with a scrawny turnip and a few beans. But there was enough to ease the ache in our stomachs.” (Anderson 136). This quote elucidates that Mattie is finding food and providing for herself and Grandfather. Mattie has become exceedingly independent and vastly resilient. She learns to not only care for herself, but to care for others, especially in this hard